Philadelphia Flyers founder and Comcast Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider died early Monday morning at the age of 83 due to complications related to bladder cancer.
The Flyers confirmed the news Monday morning, which included a statement from Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts.
“This is a very sad day for Ed’s family, the Flyers, Comcast Spectacor and his many fans in Philadelphia. Our business partnership lasted more than 20 years, which seemed improbable at the time, and ultimately transcended into a cherished and special friendship. We are so sad but relish the many accomplishments Ed achieved during his amazing lifetime. He was completely unique, incredibly passionate and will be terribly missed.”
Snider’s children also released a statement through the Flyers:
“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 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.
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.”
Snider’s addition of the Philadelphia Flyers to not only the city but to the NHL was a big part in the growth of the league. After just seven years, the team won a Stanley Cup in 1974, and would win it yet again the next season.
The Flyers made a late playoff push this season, many of which believe was fueled by knowing of the declining nature of Snider’s health.
Ryan White told Philly.com expressed how much he liked playing for Snider.
“It’s special to play for Mr. Snider,” winger Ryan White said. “I’ve only been here a short time, but to have an owner like that, I get goose bumps just talking about it. He’s the face of the franchise, and we’re going to keep on doing it for him, for sure.”
Winger Wayne Simmonds expressed similar sentiments after the Flyers’ 3-1 playoff-clinching win over the Penguins.
“It’s unfortunate Mr. Snider couldn’t be here with us today,” Simmonds said. “Obviously this organization owes everything to Mr. Snider. If it wasn’t for Mr. Snider, not one person in this dressing room would be here, so we played our hearts out. We owe him a lot, and we still owe him.”
It’s not often in sports you hear a team’s players speak so highly of their owner, which speaks to how important he truly was to that city and the NHL. Mr. Snider will be missed, and his contributions will live on forever.
