“Ed and I were very close, especially during our time playing together for the Flyers. We had a lot of adventures together, on and off the ice. He was a true friend as well as being one hell of a hockey player.
“There are so many stories I could tell about Ed Van Impe. This is one of my favorites. I was paired with Eddie when Vancouver’s Bobby Lalonde — speedy little forward — went wide on him and scored. He did it again later in the game.
“Next time we played Vancouver, Eddie said, ‘Here’s what I need you to do, Beave. When he’s carrying the puck on your side, make him go over the middle. I’ll handle the rest.’
“So that’s what I did. When Lalonde came over the middle, Eddie was waiting for him, crouched down. He used his stick for leverage and, no joke, launched the kid four feet in the air. When Lalonde crashed to the ice, Edddie looked down at him. He said, ‘Don’t you EVER go wide on me again, you (so-and-so). He never did it again when Ed was out there.
“Another good one: Gene Hart was interviewing Bernie Parent and Eddie as radio guests. Gene asked Bernie, ‘What makes Van Impe so good at clearing the other team away from the front of the net? ‘Bernie says, ‘Well, y’know, Gene. I think it’s three things. He’s strong. He’s mean. He farts a lot.’
“We cracked up about that one for years, especially Eddie. That was Ed Van Impe. Great teammate. Took winning very seriously. Never took himself too seriously.
“I was happy to have him as a friend for about 55 years. I’ll miss him.”
— Joe Watson
“Sorry to hear of Eddie’s passing. Since 1967 Eddie was the glue that held together what was to become
the ‘Flyers Family’ . I always remember his dignified and team first attitude when he passed the torch
to Clarkie. Thanks for the memories Eddie and all those team building parties in the early years.
You were a gentleman and a warrior combined and it was an honour to have been your teammate.”
— Doug Favell
” A nice man and a real gentleman off the ice. A beast on it. He taught me more about playing defense than anyone else and that is an understatement. Hugely impacted my career. I’m forever thankful. My condolences to the Van Impe family.
— Mark Howe
” Oh no! So sad. Eddie was warrior, a gentleman and a great leader, The world just lost an All Star in the game of life, God bless Eddie.”
— Bill Clement
“Our most sincere condolences to Diane, family and their friends. We have lost a decorated hero. His impact with the Flyers has left all of us with such fond memories. He was a respected warrior who feared know one. Saskatoon should be proud of our Canadian contribution to this great sport and Eddy was amongst the best. We will all miss him.”
— Willie and Sue Brossart