By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The entertainment world was shocked by the sudden passing of actor Alan Thicke on Tuesday. But news of his death shook the hockey world as well.
Thicke, who was born in Ontario, always had a passion for hockey, making several appearances at NHL games and events and participating in charity events hosted by some of hockey's biggest names. One person Thicke formed a good friendship with was Flyers founder Ed Snider, so much so that after Snider's passing, Thicke emceed Snider's memorial service in California.
Snider's grandson Garrett Getlin Snider told Philly.com of the service, saying "he facilitated one of the most beautiful memorial services I've ever seen. He kept it about granddad as a person, about loving an individual person. Everyone was struck by the way in which he honored granddad."
On the day of Snider's passing, Thicke took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend.
Beloved Ed Snider’s beloved Flyers made playoffs Saturday. Wish granted. RIP. #palsforever #NHL #EdSnider #philadelphiaflyers
— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) April 11, 2016
A few days later, he posted his NHL Bracket Challenge, as many celebrities do, but with a special message at the bottom.
My 2016 NHL Bracket Challenge in honor of Ed Snider.#NHLBracket @NHL #EdSnider pic.twitter.com/huwo7ckHse
— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) April 20, 2016
Thicke regularly assisted in charity events for Snider Hockey and made appearances at Flyers Charity golf outings. He posted this to Twitter following one such appearance, taking a photo with Flyers captain Claude Giroux.
Flyer Claude Giroux is a Carter fave – good with a 3-wood or hockey stick. Thx 4 the signed jersey! #Flyers #nhl pic.twitter.com/RGM6YRvGrN
— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) September 23, 2015
