Editing Bernie Parent (section)

== Career-Ending Injury ==

A stick blade to the eye during a 1979 game ended Parent's career prematurely, the injury robbing him of years he might have added to his legacy. The accident, which could have caused permanent blindness, left him unable to continue playing at a level he considered acceptable. The abrupt end to an extraordinary career reminded observers that athletes' productive years can vanish instantly regardless of their abilities.<ref name="pluto"/>

His retirement forced at age 33, Parent transitioned to life after hockey while remaining connected to the Flyers organization. His presence at games, his involvement in franchise events, and his continued celebrity in Philadelphia demonstrated that career statistics tell only part of an athlete's story. The affection Philadelphia maintains for Parent reflects memories of excellence that time cannot diminish.<ref name="bernstein"/>