It’s a sad day for Philadelphia Flyers supporters. A legend is no longer among them. In the company of his loved ones, Ed Van Impe passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 84. As a Hall of Fame defenseman and an important part of the Philadelphia Flyers’ history, the club mourned alongside the fans, too, stating, “The Flyers mourn the loss of a leader and original Philadelphia Flyer in Ed Van Impe. 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 this difficult time.”
Van Impe’s leadership and contributions to the Flyers’ consecutive Stanley Cup wins in 1974 and 1975 are what most remember about him. Joe Watson, another former teammate of his, was also mourning. “I’m sad to hear the news about one of our original Flyers, Ed Van Impe, who passed away on Tuesday. There are too many great memories to fit into a post, but what stands out most is the way Eddie played the game with determination and grit. Rest in peace, my friend,” the two-time Stanley Cup champion posted on X.
As founding members of the Philadelphia Flyers, Joe Watson and Ed Van Impe had a close relationship. Both defensemen were essential components of the Flyers’ identity after joining the organization during the 1967 NHL expansion. After the team’s second season, Van Impe led them as captain until January 1973, when he handed the position over to Bobby Clarke.
Known for his consistent defensive performance, Watson and Van Impe played a significant role in the Flyers’ ascent to prominence, which included their Stanley Cup triumphs in 1974 and 1975. As evidence of their enduring dedication to the team and its community, they co-founded the Flyers Alumni Association in 1984, extending their collaboration beyond the rink. Watson’s sincere remembrance of Van Impe following his death is a testament to the deep regard and friendship they had throughout their lives and professions.
The Flyers mourn the loss of a leader and original Philadelphia Flyer in Ed Van Impe. 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 this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/chu1hvLnFu
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) May 1, 2025
This is a developing report…
The post 2X Stanley Cup Champion Joins Philadelphia in Mourning as Flyers Legend Passes Away at 84 appeared first on EssentiallySports.