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City renames part of 11th Street Ed Snider Way to honor Flyers founder

“I can certainly feel Ed Snider’s presence here today,” team president Paul Holmgren said. Snider died in April 2016.

On the day the founder of the Flyers had part of a South Philadelphia street named after him, his son thought it was fitting that the road was renamed Ed Snider Way.

"My dad often said, 'It is my way or the highway,' " Craig Snider said during Thursday's dedication. "Well Dad, you got your way. Ed Snider Way."

Philadelphia City councilman Kenyatta Johnson led the city's effort to rename a section of 11th Street from Pattison Avenue south to Terminal Avenue.

Ed Snider, who succumbed to cancer on April 11, 2016, brought NHL hockey to Philadelphia, mortgaging his home in 1966 to establish the Flyers, who made their debut in the 1967-68 season.

The Flyers went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups championships in 1974 and 1975.

"Because of his vision, his passion, hundreds of millions of people have enjoyed professional hockey in Philly," said Bernie Parent, the Hall of Fame goalie who was among the former Flyers who attended the ceremony. "He has created thousands of jobs in Philadelphia. What a great man."

It's also possible the Snider family could meet again in the same area. Ed Snider's daughter, Lindy, who along with her sister, Sarena, attended the dedication, said the family has been approached about erecting a statue of their father.

In addition to Parent, other former Flyers in attendance included Bob Kelly, Brad Marsh, Joe Watson, and current team president Paul Holmgren.

"I can certainly feel Ed Snider's presence here today," Holmgren said. "His spirit is with us."

Snider was also a driving force in the construction of the old Spectrum and the Wells Fargo Center, the former and current homes, respectively, of the Flyers.

"He was humble in his way and didn't like a lot of tributes to him or accolades. But I think this is the most fitting thing I could possibly think of," Lindy Snider said of her father. "I think he would have loved it."

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard