Charity gesture shows Snider legacy still strong
While the late Ed Snider was instrumental in bringing two Stanley Cups and a whole lot of winning hockey to Philadelphia, some of his greatest achievements could have occurred “off the ice.”
Since Snider’s passing in 2016, a portion of those contributions might have gathered a little dust.
That’s why occasions like Saturday’s “Ed Snider Legacy Game” at the Wells Fargo Center are so important to Flyers culture. Saturday would have been Snider’s 91st birthday and he would have been happy to see so many smiling faces at the event.
In pre-game ceremonies, a check for $300,000 was presented to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation & Education President Scott Tharp and student-athletes from the program to help fund the construction of an additional outdoor ball hockey rink in Philadelphia.
On hand for the gathering at the Zack Hill Media Center at the Wells Fargo Center were Flyers governor, Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty, along with Flyers alternate governor and president of Flyers Charities Blair Listino.
The joint project will support
the organizations’ ongoing partnership and efforts in growing the game of hockey in the Philadelphia community by providing affordable programming and equipment.
Flyers Charities provides opportunities to help student-athletes succeed in the game of life by hosting events and programming to further students’ athletic and educational development.
“What a great way to celebrate his legacy today,” said Cindy Stutman of Flyers Charities. “At Flyers Charities, the most committed we are is to growing the game of hockey.”
Hilferty was beaming as he stood at the podium and talked about what Snider meant to the game of hockey in Philadelphia.
“It is great to honor Ed Snider’s legacy,” he said. “When we introduced the ‘New Era of Orange’ campaign last year, we made sure it was all about ushering in a modern chapter of a very storied legacy.
“Today is a chance to celebrate our family. Ed was more than just the founder of the Flyers. He was a smart entrepreneur, a passionate philanthropist, a true visionary in sports and the entertainment industry.”
What Snider started with the creation of the Flyers in 1967 continues to this day.
“His legacy is well established,” Hilferty said. “Having received many accolades, including the Hockey Hall of Fame and two Stanley Cups – he once said, youth hockey and education is what he would like to be remembered for. Not solely for the accomplishments on the ice.”
Hilferty said Saturday was all about the partnership between the Flyers and the Ed Snider Youth Foundation.
“It’s all about growing the game of hockey, a core focus of our charities arm,” Hilferty said. “Hockey is all about responsibility, respect and teamwork. We would like to instill that in every community we touch across this region.”
Hilferty thanked the Snider family for carrying on the mission.
“We will do everything we can to honor his legacy,” Hilferty vowed.
Tharp was grateful for everything that’s been done to continue this worthwhile program.
“We are so happy with the way things have been moving,” Tharp said. “The groups Ed created, together we’re stronger than ever. Together we can do some great things.”