Rick MacLeish, Flyers Legend, Dead at 66

Rick MacLeish, a star center on the Broad Street Bullies championship Flyers teams of the 1970s, has died. The team confirmed the news this morning; MacLeish had been hospitalized for about two months. He had been battling meningitis, along with kidney and liver problems.

“A good father, grandfather, teammate and friend, Rick will be missed by all who were fortunate to come and know him over the years,” Flyers president Paul Holmgren said in a press release. “His happy and friendly demeanor was front and center everywhere Rick went. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with Rick’s wife, Charlene, his daughters, Danielle and Brianna, along with his grandchildren. May he rest in peace.”

MacLeish scored 328 goals in a 12-year career with the Flyers — including a 50-goal season in 1972-73 — but it was his exploits in the playoffs that made him a legend. He had 13 goals and 22 points in the Flyers’ first Stanley Cup-winning year in 1974, then had 11 goals and 20 points in their second Cup the following year.

His 10 game-winning playoff goals are a Flyers record. He scored the lone goal in the 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins that gave the Flyers their first Stanley Cup in 1974.

“Ricky was the most talented player the Flyers had during the 1970s,” fellow Flyers legend Bobby Clarke said. “Life after hockey wasn’t fair to Ricky. He left us far too soon.”

“He wasn’t just a great hockey player, he was a great family man,” his brother, Dale, told the Brock Citizen. MacLeish was a native of Cannington, Ontario, Canada. He scored for the Flyers in their win over the Red Army in 1976.

“I would say that Rick MacLeish was probably one of the most naturally skilled players that the Flyers have ever had in their history of 50 years,” former Flyers defenseman Joe Watson said. “I’d put him up there with Giroux, Lindros and Forsberg in terms of natural skill. He was a great player and we’ll certainly miss him.”

Follow @dhm on Twitter.