Bernie Parent, a goaltender hailing from Montreal, Quebec, became one of the most revered figures in the world of professional hockey. His journey began when he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1965, marking the start of a career that would see him become a legend in the sport. Parent's early years with the Bruins were a learning experience, as he honed his skills and adapted to the fast-paced nature of the NHL.

In 1967, the NHL expanded, and Parent was claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers in the expansion draft. It was with the Flyers that Parent truly began to shine. His agility, quick reflexes, and ability to read the game set him apart from his peers. During his initial stint with the Flyers, Parent established himself as a reliable goaltender, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

In 1971, Parent was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess between the pipes. However, his time in Toronto was relatively short-lived. In 1972, he made a bold move by joining the Miami Screaming Eagles of the World Hockey Association (WHA), although the team never played a game. Instead, he ended up playing for the Philadelphia Blazers in the WHA's inaugural season. This experience in the WHA was brief, and Parent soon returned to the NHL.

Rejoining the Philadelphia Flyers in 1973 proved to be a turning point in Parent's career. Under the guidance of coach Fred Shero, Parent became the backbone of the Flyers' defense. The 1973-74 season was particularly remarkable, as Parent led the Flyers to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. His outstanding performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs, as well as the Vezina Trophy for being the league's best goaltender.

The following season, Parent replicated his success, guiding the Flyers to a second consecutive Stanley Cup victory. Once again, he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Vezina Trophy, solidifying his reputation as one of the best goaltenders in the league. Parent's ability to remain calm under pressure and his exceptional skill in net were instrumental in the Flyers' dominance during this period.

Unfortunately, Parent's career was not without its challenges. In 1979, during a game against the New York Rangers, he suffered a career-ending eye injury when a stick accidentally struck him through the eyehole of his mask. This injury forced Parent to retire from professional hockey, bringing an abrupt end to his illustrious career.

Throughout his time in the NHL, Parent was known for his remarkable consistency and his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. His contributions to the Philadelphia Flyers' success in the 1970s left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans. In recognition of his achievements, Parent was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984, a testament to his exceptional career and the legacy he left behind.

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