Ed Van Impe

Edward Charles Van Impe (May 27, 1940 – April 29, 2025) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Black Hawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He spent his first five professional seasons with the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL before making his NHL debut with the Black Hawks in 1966–67. In a solid rookie season he recorded 19 points on eight goals and 11 assists, finishing runner-up to Bobby Orr for the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year. Left unprotected in the subsequent expansion draft, he was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers and played eight and a half seasons there, establishing himself as one of the team's best defensive blueliners. He served as the second captain in franchise history, from 1968 to 1973. His game was built on hitting and shot-blocking, and on clearing opponents from the area in front of his net. Van Impe was part of the "Broad Street Bullies" teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. On January 11, 1976, at the Spectrum, his Flyers played a memorable game as part of Super Series '76. He later finished his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.