The world of sports, and hockey in particular, faced a period of profound collective mourning in the autumn of 2025. Within a heartbreaking span of just 16 days in September, the sport lost three of its most iconic and revered goaltenders from the legendary era of the 1970s, leaving fans and the hockey community to reflect on their immense legacies.
A Tragic September for Hockey Legends
The series of losses began on September 5, 2025, with the passing of Ken Dryden. The towering Montreal Canadiens great, known for his intellectual approach and six Stanley Cup victories, was a defining figure of his generation. Just nine days later, on September 14, the hockey world bid farewell to Eddie Giacomin, the beloved New York Rangers netminder whose style and passion made him a fan favourite for years. The tragic sequence concluded on September 21 with the death of Bernie Parent, the Philadelphia Flyers' backbone who backstopped the Broad Street Bullies to two championships.
These three men were not just excellent players; they were the standard-bearers for their position during one of hockey's most memorable decades. Dryden was the first to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, followed by Parent a year later in 1984, and Giacomin in 1987. Their styles differed, but their excellence united them in the memories of fans who grew up watching them defend the crease.
A Year of Remembering Sporting Icons
While the loss of the legendary trio was the most concentrated blow to hockey, 2025 was a year that saw the sports world say goodbye to a remarkable number of notable figures across many disciplines. The goaltending fraternity was hit especially hard beyond the big three.
In April, former NHL goalie and longtime broadcaster Greg Millen passed away unexpectedly. His death came just days after former backup Mark Laforest died. In July, another former netminder, Wayne Thomas, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs among other teams, died at age 77.
The year's farewells extended far beyond the hockey rink. The wrestling world mourned the loss of Hulk Hogan, who helped bring the sport to mainstream prominence. Boxing said goodbye to the charismatic heavyweight champion and entrepreneur George Foreman. Horse racing lost Ron Turcotte, the jockey who piloted the immortal Secretariat to Triple Crown glory in 1973.
Leaders, Characters, and Unforgettable Moments
Sports also lost key architects and beloved personalities. Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who oversaw massive league expansion and financial growth during his 17-year tenure, passed away. Former MLB commissioner Fay Vincent, who upheld the lifetime ban of Pete Rose and suspended New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, also died.
The world of baseball lost several stars, including Dave "The Cobra" Parker, a fearsome hitter who had a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, and Chet Lemon, who played in the first MLB game ever held in Toronto. The basketball community mourned Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Fame player and coach who led the Toronto Raptors, and former Raptor Oliver "The Big O" Miller.
Football fans remembered Jim Marshall, the defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings' legendary "Purple People Eaters" line, who became famously known for a wrong-way run. The broadcasting world lost the iconic voice of baseball, Bob Uecker, whose self-deprecating humour was celebrated by comedians like the late Norm Macdonald.
In Canada, the curling world grieved for Colleen Jones, the charismatic multiple-time national champion. The passing of musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and actress Diane Keaton marked significant losses in the broader entertainment world, which often intersects with the culture of sports.
As the year 2025 closed, it left behind a deep sense of reflection. The departures of Ken Dryden, Bernie Parent, and Eddie Giacomin served as a powerful reminder of a golden era in hockey. Their careers, along with those of the many other athletes and personalities lost, represent more than just statistics and trophies; they embody the memories, emotions, and shared experiences that define why we love sports. Their legends, built on hope, excellence, and unforgettable moments, ensure they will never be forgotten.
