In this April 13, 1975, photo, Philadelphia Flyers’ Rich MacLeish smiles as he holds up three pucks in the locker rom after scoring three goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game in Philadelphia. MacLeish, who starred for the Broad Street Bullies teams of the Flyers that won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 66.

In this April 13, 1975, photo, Philadelphia Flyers’ Rich MacLeish smiles as he holds up three pucks in the locker rom after scoring three goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game in Philadelphia. MacLeish, who starred for the Broad Street Bullies teams of the Flyers that won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 66.

Rick MacLeish, Flyers star of 1970s title teams, dies at 66

PHILADELPHIA — Rick MacLeish, who starred for the Broad Street Bullies teams of the Philadelphia Flyers that won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, has died. He was 66.

The team announced his death Tuesday. The Flyers’ Alumni Association said recently that MacLeish was battling an illness.

MacLeish was the leading scorer in the playoffs when the Flyers won back-to-back titles. He scored the Cup winner against the Boston Bruins in 1974.

Former Flyers captain and general manager Bobby Clarke called MacLeish “the most talented player the Flyers had during the 1970s.”

“Life after hockey wasn’t fair to Ricky,” Clarke said. “He left us far too soon.”

MacLeish had 349 goals and 410 assists for 759 points in 846 NHL games over 14 seasons for the Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers and Detroit Red Wings.

The native of Cannington, Ontario, had 22 points in the 1974 playoffs and 20 in 1975.

“Rick was probably the most gifted, natural centerman that the Flyers have ever had,” former teammate Bob Kelly said. “Rick was just quiet and simply went out there and played his heart out.”

MacLeish is tied with Hockey Hall of Famer Bill Barber for the most playoff goals in franchise history with 53 and has the fourth-most playoff points with 105. He was inducted into the Flyers’ Hall of Fame in 1990.

“The Flyers could have a mediocre game but because of his skills as a player and the athlete that he was, he could carry us,” former teammate Gary Dornhoefer said. “I always felt that during the years he played he never got the recognition that he properly deserved. He was that good.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.