The Philadelphia Flyers have suffered the loss of franchise legend Forbes Kennedy. He was a forward who was part of the franchise's very first NHL season and passed away on May 25 at the age of 90. 

Kennedy was the senior member of the Flyers Alumni and remains one of the most significant members of the foundational period of the organization.

Kennedy was born on August 18, 1935, in Dorchester, New Brunswick, and he was a really loved figure in Prince Edward Island. He was the 87th overall pick in the 1967 Expansion Draft for the Flyers. Bud Poile, who was Philadelphia's general manager at the time, had also previously coached Kennedy back at the minor league level. 

The organization paid tribute to its alumni after the news of his passing.

"The Flyers mourn the passing of forward Forbes Kennedy. Kennedy was an original Flyer who came to Philadelphia during the club's inaugural season in 1967," the team stated.

"Although he was never the biggest player on the team, Kennedy brought toughness, energy, and a fearless style that would become synonymous with the Flyers. He will forever stand as an example of what the Orange and Black represent."

Kennedy made 10 goals and scored 28 points across 73 games during the 1967-68 inaugural season. He also went on to lead the team in penalty time in both of his years in Philadelphia. 

Over his full NHL career, he played with multiple teams, like the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Kennedy made a total of 70 goals, 108 assists, and 988 penalty minutes and then went on to retire from professional hockey in 1970. He later transitioned to coaching at the minor league and junior levels.

Joe Watson shares heartfelt memories of Forbes Kennedy

Kennedy’s friends and teammates remembered him for more than his play but for his impact on the team off the ice, sharing fond memories after his passing.

Flyers defenseman Joe Watson, who was Kennedy's teammate during two of Philadelphia's early seasons, recalled what it was like to share a locker room with him.

"It was much better to have Forbie on your side than against you," Watson said.

He shared a story about his friend. "I remember one time, I can still see it when we were playing the Blues. Noel Picard, who was huge and mean as could be, riled up our guys. Well, he wasn't afraid of any of us, except Forbie. Forbie went after Picard, and he skated away as fast as he could."

Watson also spoke warmly about Kennedy's personality out of the game. "He was very sociable, good with people off the ice," he said. 

Kennedy's humorous personality made him even more memorable. He was well known for his fear of mice in his team, which ended up becoming a running joke among his teammates for years.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Ankita Yadav