Eagles, 76ers, Phillies Comment On Passing Of Flyers Founder Ed Snider

Ed Snider, founder of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, died at the age of 83 early Monday morning after a two-year battle with cancer.

Eagles, 76ers, Phillies Comment On Passing Of Flyers Founder Ed Snider

Snider’s “Broad Street Bullies” became the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup.

The Philadelphia Eagles, along with several other Philadelphia teams, released a statement about the sad news:

“Ed was a true visionary and a pioneer who did tremendous things for our city and for the sport of hockey,” Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie stated. “He was driven by a relentless pursuit of winning and his passion for the sport was genuine. That’s one of the reasons I think he was so loved and respected by the fans of our city and by his players and staff. They knew he cared just as much as they did.”

The rest of Lurie’s statement read: “Under Ed’s guidance, the Flyers became one of the most consistently successful franchises in the NHL, and he used his leadership to help foster a classy organization across the board. But perhaps more than anything, I think the legacy that Ed will leave behind is his commitment to helping young people in our city succeed in life through his youth hockey foundation. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Flyers organization during this difficult time.”

Philadelphia 76ers’ managing general partner Joshua Harris also released a statement:

“It is with a great deal of sadness that we mourn the loss of one of Philadelphia’s greatest ambassadors and humanitarians, Ed Snider.

“Ed continually poured his heart into making a difference in the lives of those around him and he stopped at nothing to make the city of Philadelphia a better place for everyone. He leaves behind a legacy of civic pride, charitable acts and philanthropy that is truly unmatched.

“Ed’s impact on the sporting landscape needs no words. His vision, drive and relentless pursuit of excellence brought multiple championships – as well as appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals and NBA Finals – to the city and its fans.

“On behalf of the Sixers and Devils, we send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Snider family during this difficult time.”

The Phillies also expressed their condolences via Twitter, and announced that they will honor Snider with a moment of silence during Monday’s home opener against the San Diego Padres.

Snider’s family also released a statement: “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. 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.”

The Flyers clinched a playoff spot after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 on Saturday, and dedicated the playoff push to him.

“You get a little emotional when you start to think about it,” Flyers captain Claude Giroux said. “We know he’s happy we made the playoffs.”

Snider, chairman of the Flyers’ parent company, Comcast-Spectacor, was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. Snider built his fortune with a record company, arrived in Philadelphia in 1964 as a part owner of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Snider was always confident that hockey would be a popular sport in blue-collar Philadelphia.

“I just had the belief that if you’re a regular guy and know what regular guys like, you can’t be wrong,” Snider said.

He is survived by his wife Lin and daughters Lindy, Tina and Sarena, sons Craig, Jay and Samuel, and several grandchildren. He was married three other times.

Caption: NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 20: Ed Snider the owner of the Philadelphia Flyers attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2013 in New York City.