Former Flyers goalie Stephenson dies at 65

Stephenson
Stephenson
By CHUCK BAUSMAN, bausmac@phillynews.com
Posted: August 06, 2010

Wayne Stephenson, a backup goalie on the Flyers' second Stanley Cup championship team, died on June 22 in Madison, Wis. He was 65.

No cause of death has been revealed.

Stephenson was the starting goalie in one of the most famous games in Flyers history - a 4-1 victory over the Soviet Red Army at the Spectrum on Jan. 11, 1976.

"On behalf of the Philadelphia Flyers, I would like to personally send my condolences to Nedina and the entire Stephenson family," Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider said yesterday in a statement.

"Wayne joined us after we captured our first Stanley Cup in 1974, and provided steady support in helping us as we went on to win our second consecutive championship.

"The following season, Wayne was a key contributor as our team reached the Stanley Cup final for a third consecutive season, earning a spot on the All-Star team. Wayne was a terrific human being who offered so much to our team, both on and off the ice. I will always cherish the memories I have of Wayne."

Stephenson, who wore uniform No. 35 with the Flyers, was a native of Fort William, Ontario. In his first season with the Flyers, he was 7-2-1 backing up Hall of Fame goalie Bernie Parent.

When Parent had neck disk surgery in the 1975-76 season, Stephenson went 40-10-13 with a 2.58 goals-against average. He was second in the NHL in victories and fourth in goals-against that season.

In his 5-year Flyers career, he played 165 games. His record was 93-35-26, with 10 shutouts. He had a 2.77 goals-against average.

He also played three seasons with the St. Louis Blues (1971-74) and two seasons with the Washington Capitals (1979-81). In 328 NHL games, he was 146-103-49, with a 3.06 goals-against average.

Stephenson is survived by his wife, Nedina; sons Christopher and Andrew; daughters Julie and Beth; and three grandchildren. *

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