Color of Hockey: Bernie Parent Memorial Camp thrills young goalies – NHL.com
Photo by Richard Ciraulo on Unsplash
The Philadelphia Flyers’ community outreach program has once again proven that the city’s love of hockey runs deep, as the Bernie Parent Memorial Camp opened its gates to a group of young, aspiring goaltenders this past weekend. Named after the legendary Flyers netminder who guarded the net for the franchise in the 1970s, the camp’s purpose is simple: to give kids a taste of the game while learning from some of the best in the business.
The camp, which runs every summer, featured a series of clinics that emphasized the fundamentals of goaltending—positioning, reflexes, and the mental toughness required to stay in the crease. Participants, many of whom have never played a game of hockey before, were given the chance to work one-on-one with former Flyers goalies and current staff members. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they finally get a save is something we can’t put a price on,” said Flyers’ goaltending coach, who chose to remain anonymous to protect the privacy of the participants.
What made this year’s camp particularly special was the presence of Flyers’ current roster members, who took time out of their busy schedules to share stories from their own youth and to demonstrate key techniques in real time. The camp’s highlight was a mock shootout that ended with a spectacular save by a 12‑year‑old participant, who later told the coaches that it was the moment that made him want to pursue a career in hockey.
The Flyers’ front office has long championed the Bernie Parent Memorial Camp as a vital part of the franchise’s outreach. The organization’s commitment to fostering the next generation of talent is evident in the way the camp is organized and the enthusiasm of the players who attend. While the camp itself does not directly influence the Flyers’ upcoming match schedule, it serves as a reminder that the team’s legacy is built not only on the ice but also on the community it serves.
For Flyers fans, the camp’s success is a testament to the franchise’s enduring passion for the sport. It’s a reminder that the Flyers’ influence extends far beyond the 76,000‑seat Wells Fargo Center, reaching into the hearts of young players who will one day stand on the same ice, dreaming of the day they can call themselves a Flyer.
