As the news came in this morning, the current group of Philadelphia Flyers, who are preparing for a playoff series, learned of the passing of the man who made hockey in Philadelphia possible.
Ed Snider passed away on Monday at the age of 83. Many current Flyers, former Flyers and others around the NHL took to Twitter to offer their fond remembrances and condolences.
Current Flyers captain Claude Giroux:
I feel privileged to have known such a great leader. Rest in peace Mr. Snider, you will be missed.https://t.co/i4lk3BShW8
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) April 11, 2016
Jake Voracek:
It's been a honor and privilege to be part of the amazing organization you built. We will never forget the impact you made Mr. Snider! RIP
— Jakub Voracek (@jachobe) April 11, 2016
Wayne Simmonds:
A man as great as mr Snider. You will always be remembered may you RIP
— Wayne Simmonds (@Simmonds17) April 11, 2016
Brayden Schenn:
Rest in peace Mr. Snider. It's been a honor to play for the best owner in sports. You will be missed.
— Brayden Schenn (@Bschenn_10) April 11, 2016
Shayne Gostisbehere:
Extending my thoughts & prayers to Mr. Sniders family and friends, you will be greatly missed by the city of Philadelphia. #ThanksMrSnider
— Shayne Gostisbehere (@s_ghost14) April 11, 2016
Sam Gagner:
Rest in peace Mr. Snider. It was an honor to get to know you. The legacy you have created here in Philadelphia will live on forever. #RIP
— Sam Gagner (@89SGagner) April 11, 2016
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare:
Didn't take long to realize what an impact a great man can have for his City! It was an honour to have played for you! RIP Mr SNIDER
— Pierre-E Bellemare (@bellsy78) April 11, 2016
Brandon Manning:
it was a privilege to play for the best owner in sports! your passion for hockey was contagious, RIP Mr. Snider #FlyGuys
— Brandon Manning (@mandog1990) April 11, 2016
The NHL also offered their condolences in a statement from commissioner Gary Bettman.
"Ed Snider was the soul and the spirit of the Flyers, who have reflected his competitiveness, his passion for hockey and his love for the fans from the moment he brought NHL hockey to Philadelphia in 1967.
"Ed created the Flyers’ professional, no-nonsense culture, fostered their relentless will to win and set the highest standards for every activity on and off the ice, including such initiatives as the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and the Flyers Wives Carnival. While the loss of Ed Snider tears a hole in the heart of the Flyers and the city of Philadelphia, and leaves a massive void in the city’s sports landscape, it also challenges all who knew him to carry forward the great works that are his legacy.
"On a personal note, I have valued Ed’s counsel, I have admired his philanthropy and truly have cherished his friendship. Ed was an unmistakable presence and an unforgettable personality. Like most people who had the pleasure of knowing Ed, I will miss him terribly.
"As the NHL family grieves Ed’s passing, we also celebrate his courage, his vision, his leadership and his commitment to future generations of players and fans. We send our thoughts of compassion, comfort and strength to his family, his friends and all whose lives he touched."
Former Flyers and others from around the league, including the Flyers first-round opponent the Washington Capitals and bitter rivals like the Penguins and Rangers also passed on condolences.
Chris Therien:
So sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Snider. He was the @NHLFlyers and to have known him and played for him was a great honor. Godspeed!
— Chris Therien (@ctherien6) April 11, 2016
Scott Hartnell:
Rest in Peace Mr. Snider. Sad day for Philly and the hockey world. You will be missed!
— Scott Hartnell (@Hartsy43) April 11, 2016
Rick Tocchet:
R.I.P Mr. Snider – you were a great influence in my career and the best owner I ever had . Sad day in Flyer Nation
— Rick Tocchet (@RealRocket22) April 11, 2016
Martin Biron:
Very sad news this morning with the passing of Mr. Snider. He was a fantastic owner and always great with the players and their families.
— Martin Biron (@martybiron43) April 11, 2016
Danny Briere:
It was an honor playing for you Mr Snider. Your players all love you and you will be missed greatly around the WFC. #bestownerinsports
— Danny Briere (@DannyBriere48) April 11, 2016
Kimmo Timonen:
Rest in peace Mr.Snider. There is so many memories we shared together. It was truly an honor to know you. You will be missed
— Kime4kids (@kime4kids) April 11, 2016
Scott Mellanby:
Thoughts are with the Snider family today. Drafted a Flyer and will always be a part of me. Ed Snider created the culture. Rest in Peace
— Scott Mellanby (@mellanby19) April 11, 2016
Matthew Barnaby:
RIP Mr Snider. Condolences to the family and the city of Brotherly Love. Owner with passion. What every athlete dreams of playing for.
— Matthew Barnaby (@MattBarnaby3636) April 11, 2016
Pittsburgh Penguins:
On behalf of Mario Lemieux and the entire Penguins organization, our condolences to the Flyers on the loss of their founder, Ed Snider.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 11, 2016
New York Rangers:
#NYR sends our condolences to the family and friends of Ed Snider and the entire @NHLFlyers organization.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 11, 2016
Washington Capitals:
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Philadelphia Flyers Chairman and Founder Mr. Ed Snider. Our thoughts are with the @NHLFlyers.
— Washington Capitals (@washcaps) April 11, 2016
Lastly, on behalf of the Snider family, Mr. Snider’s children offered the following statement on the passing of the Flyers owner.
"Our Dad was loved and admired for his big heart, generosity of spirit, and dedication to his family. Despite his considerable business achievements and public profile, he was first and foremost a family man. He never missed a birthday, important family event or the opportunity to offer encouragement. We turned first to him for advice in our personal and professional lives. We grew up tagging behind him in arenas, stadiums and locker rooms; and his players, management and team personnel were our extended family. He treated his employees with respect regardless of rank or position, and the man they called “Mr. Snider” always would have preferred simply to be called ‘Ed.'
"From him we learned the importance of helping others and the value of supporting our community and beyond. He was a man with deep convictions and never hesitated to promote causes in which he believed. His children and grandchildren will continue his philanthropic mission for years to come through the work of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation (Snider Hockey) and the Snider Foundation. Revered in his adopted city of Philadelphia, we too were captive in the orbit of his brilliant light and magnetic personality.
"Unrivaled, however, was his love for the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club, the team he created 50 years ago and to which he remained fiercely devoted through his final days. With every game during the push to make the playoffs this spring we hoped he would survive to see the Flyers win just one more game. He gave the last ounce of his indomitable energy and strength to live through this hockey season, but now the Flyers must win without him.
"He fought his last years, months and days with courage and grace and recounted his love for many including his Flyers family and fans. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community, his friends and all those who were fortunate to have been touched by him in some way, large or small."
We were certainly all touched by Mr. Snider’s lasting presence in the Orange and Black of Philadelphia Flyers hockey.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
