PHILADELPHIA — The hockey world is mourning the loss of Mel Bridgman, a respected leader, forward, and former Philadelphia Flyers captain, who has died at the age of 70.
Bridgman was the first overall pick in the 1975 NHL Draft, joining the Flyers during one of the most competitive eras in franchise history. Known for his toughness and leadership, he went on to play 977 regular-season games, scoring 252 goals and adding 449 assists across 14 NHL seasons.
He captained the Flyers beginning in 1979 and helped guide the team during its record-setting 35-game unbeaten streak in the 1979-80 season. After his time in Philadelphia, Bridgman also suited up for the Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks before retiring in 1989.
Following his playing career, Bridgman earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and later became the first general manager of the Ottawa Senators, helping lead the club through its inaugural 1992-93 season.
The Flyers organization remembered Bridgman as “a prototypical power forward who embodied Flyers-style hockey” and expressed deep condolences to his family and teammates.
No cause of death has been made public as of Sunday evening.
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