Ed Snider, Flyers Chairman, Has Died

The founder and longtime face of the Flyers franchise succumbed to a two-year fight with cancer. He was 83.

Ed Snider at the 2010 demolition of The Spectrum. Photo | Jeff Fusco

Ed Snider at the 2010 demolition of The Spectrum. Photo | Jeff Fusco

The children of Ed Snider announced this morning that Snider, the chairman of Comcast-Spectacor and founder and longtime face of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise, has died after a two-year battle with cancer. His death comes just days after his Flyers clinched a playoff berth that most thought was unlikely when the season began.

“He fought his last years, months and days with courage and grace and recounted his love for many including his Flyers family and fans,” read the statement from his family. “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.”

In a statement this morning, National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman described Snider’s competitive spirit.

“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,” said Bettman. “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.”

Social media has reacted with an outpouring of remembrances and support for the team.

Philly Mag’s Richard Rys reflected this morning on the extensive interview he conducted with Snider as the Spectrum closed in preparation for its eventual demolition.

Jeffrey Lurie gave a statement this morning as well, calling Snider a “true visionary and a pioneer.”

This is a developing story.

Full statement from the Snider family:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our father, Ed Snider has died after a two year battle with cancer. He was 83.

“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 hebelieved. 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.

“During his lifetime, he cultivated a cherished circle of friends whom he loved dearly–and who loved him back–whether in Washington, DC, Monmouth, Maine, Philadelphia or Montecito, California. 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.”

Full statement from NHL 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.”