PHILADELPHIA — Ed Snider, a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s sports world, accomplished a great deal as an owner. He co-founded the Flyers and played a significant role during the team’s iconic Broad Street Bullies era. In addition to his involvement with the Flyers, Snider held stakes in the Eagles and 76ers and contributed to the establishment of the city’s largest sports talk radio station.
However, as Snider looked back on his extensive career before his passing in 2016 at the age of 83, he recognized that his most cherished achievement was the youth hockey initiative he launched in 2005 aimed at providing opportunities for underprivileged children in Philadelphia. “I truly wish for it to be my legacy,” Snider expressed.
Even after his death, Snider’s impact remains significant in Philadelphia. His memory endures not only through a large bronze statue outside the Flyers’ arena but also through the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education program, which has reached numerous children across the region. As he would have turned 92 this week, a special celebration took place during the Flyers’ Ed Snider Legacy game against the Dallas Stars. The event included video tributes, ceremonial puck drops by former players, and fundraising initiatives at the Wells Fargo Center, all benefiting Snider Hockey.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of young participants from the program who shared the ice with the Flyers, reinforcing Snider’s commitment to youth hockey. Jasmine Masino, who turns 22 this Sunday, has been part of Snider Hockey since she was just 6 years old. She joined the program initiated by her mother, who enrolled her because her younger brother was not old enough to participate. From this experience, Masino developed a deep love for hockey and later attended Villanova, where she joined the club team, supported by a full scholarship from Snider Hockey.
The foundation is dedicated to teaching valuable life skills through hockey and provides various educational activities for students after school and during recreational hours. The programs are offered free of charge to underprivileged children in Philadelphia who might not otherwise have access to hockey. “The support was unwavering and constant,” recalled Masino. “For me, the resources were more impactful for my college journey than the sport itself.”
Throughout her youth, Masino participated in co-ed travel teams within the Delaware Valley Hockey League until she graduated high school and has since taken on a coaching role in the program. Currently, Snider Hockey has about 1,900 students enrolled across seven sites in the Philadelphia area, with plans to extend its reach even further. The tuition for students is covered by fundraising initiatives and an endowment established by Snider.
“Expanding our reach was always a vision of Ed’s,” noted Scott Tharp, President of Snider Hockey. “He recognized that while serving more kids is important, providing depth to our existing programs is equally crucial. We strive to enhance our resources for every child currently in our program.”
In support of these endeavors, Flyers Charities contributed $300,000 towards significant improvements at four local ice rinks. “The highest praise Ed ever gave me was, just before he passed, during a visit I made to see him in California. He told me, ‘Scott, I want you to know that this program has surpassed my wildest expectations,’” Tharp reflected. “Those of us who knew Ed recognized that he always had lofty aspirations.”
