Edward Charles Van Impe, better known as Ed Van Impe, a Philadelphia Flyers legend, shared a blissful life with his wife, Diane, who stood by him until he took his last breath on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the age of 84.
He died in British Columbia, surrounded by his family, after battling health issues in recent years. While the exact cause of his death was not specified, his declining health had kept him from attending a Flyers reunion in 2024.
Ed Van Impe is survived by his wife, Diane, and his three kids: Greg, Howard and Melanie.
While the precise details surrounding Ed and Diane’s relationship timeline remain unknown, they were married during Ed’s hockey career, which spanned the 1960s and 1970s.
Over their long marriage, the couple raised a tight-knit family of five members, with the arrival of their three children, sons Greg and Howard, and daughter Melanie.
Ed and Diane lived in the Delaware Valley near Philadelphia for many years after he retired from playing in 1977.
Ed played for the Flyers from 1967 to 1976, and Diane was with him during those years, supporting him through the team’s Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975.
After his playing days, Ed worked as a Flyers broadcaster from 1980 to 1985, and Diane remained by his side as they raised their family.
In his later years, they relocated to British Columbia, Canada, where they lived until Ed’s passing on April 29, 2025.
From his Philadelphia Flyers playing days to his broadcasting era, Diane stood by Ed’s side through it all.
That said, unlike Ed, whose life was like an open book, information about Diane isn’t quite available. She mostly remained away from the limelight.
Following Ed’s demise, his son, Greg, shared that Ed sent his love to his friends and teammates, saying, “We walk together forever.”
Likewise, the Philadelphia Flyers also shared a post expressing their grief.
Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Ed Van Impe Helped The Philadelphia Flyers Win Back-To-Back Stanley Cups In 1974 And 1975!
Born on May 27, 1940, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Edward Charles Van Impe grew up idolizing hockey great Gordie Howe, a fellow Saskatoon native.
Ed’s hockey career began with the Saskatoon Quakers in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League from 1956 to 1961.
Thanks to his skills, in nearly no time, he became a standout defensive defenseman.
Van Impe spent six years in the minor leagues, playing for teams like the Calgary Stampeders and Buffalo Bisons, before breaking into the NHL with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1966.
In his rookie season, he impressed everyone, finishing second to Bobby Orr for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best rookie.
In 1967, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Van Impe in the NHL expansion draft, marking the start of his legacy with the team. He played nine seasons with the Flyers, becoming the second captain in franchise history from 1968 to 1973.
He was undoubtedly a key player for the Flyers in the 1970s. Van Impe’s physical play helped the Flyers win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, the only championships in the team’s history.
Teammate Jim Watson lauded his contributions, saying, “We probably wouldn’t have won the Stanley Cup without Eddie.”
Van Impe’s skills earned him NHL All-Star honors in 1969, 1974, and 1975. Throughout his career, he played 703 games in the NHL, scoring 27 goals and 126 assists.
Due to his aggressive style of play, he also spent 1,025 minutes in the penalty box.
Van Impe’s time with the Flyers ended in 1976 when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played 22 games before retiring in 1977.
After hockey, he worked as a Flyers broadcaster in the 1980s and later moved back to Canada, where he built a career in insurance.
He also helped form and run the Flyers Alumni Association, staying connected to the team and its fans. In 1993, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame.
Thank you, Ed Van Impe, for your contributions to the sport and for being part of history. Rest In Peace.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ed Van Impe was the second captain in Flyers history, serving from 1968 to 1973.
- He played in the NHL All-Star Game three times in 1969, 1974, and 1975.
