Flyers announce the passing of former captain, two time Stanley Cup winner and TV broadcaster Ed Van Impe

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that former captain, two-time Stanley Cup champion and team TV broadcaster Ed Van Impe has passed away at 84 years old.

Van Impe's was surrounded by family members when he passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon. His son Greg Van Impe told Flyers Alumni that his father had a final message of love for all his former teammates.

"My dad sent his love to his friends and teammates," son Greg wrote by email to Flyers Alumni. "We walk together forever!"

Ed Van Impe was an original Flyer and the second captain in franchise history. The Flyers selected the rugged blueliner from the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1967 Expansion Draft. Van Impe served as captain from 1968-69 through midseason 1972-73, when he ceded the role to young superstar Bobby Clarke.

Van Impe remained a team leader after his captaincy. The three-time NHL All-Star Game selection was a mainstay on the Broad Street Bullies teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. In 1975-76, the Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the third straight year.

After his playing days, Van Impe became a television commentator on Flyers’ broadcasts. Off the ice, he was a devoted husband and father with scores of friends. Along with old friend and teammate Joe Watson, Van Impe was one of the leaders in forming the Flyers Alumni Association in 1984.

“A Flyer always gives more than he (thinks he) has, does what he has to do to win. He does it game in and game out, not just every fourth or fifth time he plays,” Van Impe told Hockey Hall of Fame writer Jay Greenberg in Flyers at 50.

Van Impe and wife Diane lived in the Delaware Valley for many years after his playing days ended. He served as a television broadcaster from 1980 to 1985.

Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Mark Howe cites Van Impe as one of his best teachers. At age 25, Howe made a mid-career switch from left wing to the blueline. Van Impe offered him useful advice that he put into practice.

"I played defense like a forward, because it was all I knew. Ed Van Impe helped me reframe my approach to playing as a defenseman," Howe said.

Away from hockey, Van Impe worked in the insurance business until his retirement. In his later years, the Saskatoon native relocated to British Columbia.

Failing health last year prevented Van Impe from traveling to Philadelphia to celebrate the team's Stanley Cup victory golden anniversary, but the team made it a priority that he connect with his teammates virtually.

RIP, Ed Van Impe. Gone, but never forgotten.