Two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Philadelphia Flyers captain Ed Van Impe died on Tuesday night. He was 84.
An original member of the Flyers, Van Impe wore the “C” from 1968-69 until ceding the role to rising star Bobby Clarke during the 1972-73 season. The Saskatchewan-born defenseman helped Philadelphia capture back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1973-74 and 1974-75.
“Ed was an invaluable leader on the blue line, known for his determined play and hard-hitting style that helped the Broad Street Bullies captivate a city and its fans,” the Flyers said in a statement. “He will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Flyers organization. We offer our deepest condolences to his teammates, who had the privilege to play beside him, and his family and friends who were close to him during his difficult time.”
After arriving from the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1967 expansion draft, Van Impe spent nine seasons with the Flyers before finishing his NHL career with Pittsburgh.
Van Impe played a pivotal role when the Flyers hosted the Soviet Union’s Red Army team at the Spectrum on Jan. 11, 1976. He delivered a huge hit to Russian star Valeri Kharlamov in the first period, prompting the Soviets to leave the ice in protest. They eventually returned but Philadelphia skated to a 4-1 victory.
A three-time All-Star, Van Impe recorded 153 points (27 goals, 126 assists) with 1,024 penalty minutes in 703 games for the Blackhawks (1966-67), Flyers (1967-76) and Penguins (1976). He was inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame in 1993.
–Field Level Media
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