Flyers to present Bernie Parent goalie mask to player of the game

A legend is being honored by his former team by using a familiar piece of equipment to highlight today’s stars.

Following the team’s 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Monday night, the Philadelphia Flyers introduced a new “trophy” to be awarded to the player of the game. The memento is that of late Flyers legend and Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Bernie Parent.

The first winner of the new award was, of course, a netminder. After picking up his first victory with his new team, Dan Vladar was given the mask after stopping 26 of the 28 shots he faced against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Vladar was handed the mask by Flyers captain Sean Couturier.

“I think it’s just fair it goes to [Vladar],” Couturier explained to his teammates.

“That was really fun playing behind you guys. Let’s keep this going,” Vladar said.

Parent passed away last month at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that goes far beyond the Flyers organization. The team honored the man who backstopped the Flyers to Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975 (winning the Conn Smythe Trophy each time) prior to the team’s home opener.

Couturier exclaimed to the media the level of importance Parent had on the team and the City of Brotherly Love.

“Bernie Parent did a lot for this organization, for this city, was involved off the ice as well, in the community,” Couturier said. “It was a great effort in his honor. Definitely will be missed around here. We’d always see him around at games. Always had that quality of lighting everyone up, putting a smile on everyone’s face.”

Monday’s win also marked the first for new head coach Rick Tocchet. Philadelphia (1-1-1) is back home on Thursday night, hosting the Winnipeg Jets.