Barry Ashbee: His Long & Painful Road to the NHL and the Horrific Tragedies That Ended it All
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- čas přidán 26. 12. 2021
- His road to the NHL was a long and painful one - and once he finally realized his NHL dream it was ripped from him in one bloody, frightening and horrific moment.
He was a 31-year old rookie who played just four NHL seasons. But, his retired number 4 hangs alongside the Flyers greatest legends.
To understand why a man with just 85 career points is honored with Hockey Hall of Farmers is to understand that this man was a fearless and courageous warrior, who epitomized so many who toiled in the hard-scrabbled era of the 1960s and early 70s.
Barry Ashbee handled his fate with grace and courage - traits he’d display again when he faced even worse tragedy three years later.
This is the story of Barry Ashbee, the strong, silent gladiator whose uncommon character and inner strength continues to impact the Philadelphia Flyers to this day.
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The Barry Ashbee Trophy is the oldest trophy the Flyers organization awards and it shows how much he was respected by the Flyers organization for them to name the club's version of the Norris trophy after him. Thanks for recognizing a Flyer's legend and keep up the great work!
Great comment -- very much appreciated! Thank you!
People need to give this Flyer more attention instead of a sucker punching, jumping player's from behind coke head and steroid abusing Dave Brown who couldn't really play hockey.
Could you please do Pelle Lindbergh I am 14 I am a goalie and I love the Flyers and the 80s
Wow, I've been a Flyers fan for over 45 years and I must say that is the best bit of info on Barry Ashbee I've ever seen - well done.
Thank you … the channel is dedicated to knowledgeable fans like you!
Totally agree. Exceptional. I’m not one easily moved to emotion, but there was a wee bit of moisture in my eyes afterwards.
Philadelphia has never stopped loving + respecting Barry Ashbee. He is the soul of our organization. *LEGEND*
I'm a lifelong Rangers fan who will always wish he'd played for us. A tip of the cap to the great Barry Ashbee.
Too bad that couldn't have happened to Bobby Clarke instead.
@@williegordon7899 ouch bro. Very ouch
my sentiments exactly I hate the Flyers as I should but He wasn`t a goon or cheap shot artist
@@seanmcgaghran9892 That's an automatic requirement isn't it? Lol
I remember the injury. I remember his diagnosis. I remember him saying, "I'll recover", and just like that, he was gone.
Started the Barry Ashbee Fight for Lives Carnival! I lived by the Spectrum and was down there hours before every game just to talk to the players ! They new me by name I was 13 years old! Barry was one of the nicest guys and they were all great friendly guys ! Everyone had Flyers Fever !
@@100secondworkout Fortunately, we had the Firebirds finish off the HAT TRICK IN '76!
@@firebird7479 They moved to Syracuse in 79 for one final season! No Parent ! No MacLeish 3 one goal losses to the Canadians and a 5-3 loss in game four ended the Greatest Era in Flyers History!
@@100secondworkout Then they moved to Fredericton and became the Fredericton Express. All those losses were by 1 goal, too.
I knew of Barry Ashbee,but watching this story brought tears to my eyes at the end...
No kidding ..what a tragic but still celebrated life ...people today would cave in in a minutes when faced with such terrible results
Thank you for chronicling the real history of professional hockey; something the NHL seems to ignore.
You are welcome …. I greatly appreciate your feedback!
God bless you Ashbee always and forever
One of the most courageous stories in sport. Never particularly liked the team (except that time when they played the Soviets on a Sunday afternoon in early 1976) but it does seem just that they won one Cup while he was a player and another while he helped coach. And credit to them for doing so much for him and his memory. I had heard some negative things about the Snyders as people but it seems they did right by him.
PRO HOCKEY is a small family where almost everyone knows or has played with or against everyone else, and even the guys that played a short time retained their respect from other players. Fans opinions don't matter much when a player like Ashbee gets injured, ALL players will support him. Steven, I was 17at the U OF PENN (PHILLY) and the Flyers practiced at our rink. I met them all and over a year learned a lot from watching them but they were a Family, Shero wouldn't let them slack off, he worked them very hard. No one deserves what happened to Ashbee.
Fantastic job. Really well done!!! I'm a Flyers fan for 50 years, you captured the essence of Barry Ashbee beautifully. I love all these wonderful profiles you produce of all these warriors of my favorite era of hockey. Great stuff, keep cranking them out. You do a phenomenal job.
Such an encouraging comment … can’t tell you how motivating it is … thank you!
I will never forget sitting with great anticipation, jubilation and excitement on the benches in JFK Stadium waiting for my heros to arrive.
For a 13 year old, seeing the Flyers arriving on those flatbed trailers into the stadium, celebrating with the entire city and hoisting their 1st Stanley Cup was my heaven.
It was immediately etched into my mind, heart and spirit forever.
Now, as a 62 year old man with 62 years worth of "life experiences" under my belt, I can honestly say,
"May 21st in the year of 1974, I can STILL, list that day as one of my top 5 days of my entire life."
Thank you Flyers family, and thank you #4.
I was 24 and lived at 15th and Moore in South Philly. The weather that Sunday they won the cup was perfect. I regret not simulcasting the NBC broadcast with listening to the great Gene Hart calling the game on the radio. What a great time. RIP Barry Ashbee who left this world too soon.
@@williamscanlon6539
I remember just 3 things about that Sunday.
First, I always thought it was on a Saturday, but you are correct, it was on a Sunday.
1). My cousin, 2 brothers and I watched the game at my grandmother's house, wile the entire family (like some 190 people) celebrated her 80th birthday with a "full bore blow out" up the road at a Italian, social club type of place.
2). I remember Andre "Moose" Duponts shot from the point then BAM, into the net by a deflection by Rick Macleish.
The 5 of us went frigging nuts.
And finally,
3). I remember during the rest of the game, which ended at 1-0, and intermission, I continued to bite my fingernails eventhough there was nothing left to bite and 4 or 5 of them were bleeding.
Gene Hart and Don, "Let's go Flyers and let's go Gene Hart", Earle.
awesome memories ... so glad you could share them!
31 yr old rookie, referee slug, on ice reporter Brian McFarlane , another great episode. Had forgotten the story. Hopefully teams are helping you out with info and media to compile these stories. How you haven't broken 10K subs ??? Come on guys. This is quality.
Thanks Reg! We’ll get there soon … as always I appreciate your support and encouraging comments
Imagine a reporter going on the ice during a game and talking to a linesman. You never, ever hear an NHL official being interviewed, at least not until they're retired, least of all during a game. McFarlane was a big name at the time, so he had more pull than most guys, but there isn't enough pull in the entire sport any more for a broadcaster to get away with that.
Thank You so much for this Tribute to a Great Flyer ! Barry Ashbee !
I'm a life long Bruins fan, born in the mid 1950's. Until the NHL expanded quality players like Barry Ashbee were " buried" in the minor leagues ( AHL, WHL, IHL , etc.). I have a profound respect for the many players that road buses in the minor league outposts in USA and Canada chasing their dreams. The NHL expansion and later the WHA provided opportunities for many many deserving/skilled hockey players.
Barry was an alumni of Weston Collegiate Institute in Weston Ont, which is now consideredToronto. His picture hung in the main entrance of the School for as long as I was there. Sad to see a great hockey player struck down by such a devastating cruel disease.
Another great tribute. Thank you again for recognizing these wonderful warriors whose name would only be known to the most ardent hockey fan. It’s nice to see teams recognize their players for reasons just beyond their statistics or achievements. Honour and character of this magnitude are sometimes overlooked. So kudos to the Flyers for recognizing Number 4.
Thank you for the high-quality feedback … we’ll keep telling these stories for serious fans like you!
I never knew of Barry Ashbee until I became a Flyers fan back in 1979. I read all about him. God bless him. Beautiful narration. ❤
Thanks so much ... your comments are greatly appreciated.
@@ProHockeyAlumni he's right. Your style has a soothing ASMR element to it. I am now a subscriber.
A great job telling the Barry Ashbee story. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Mort!
I went to many Rochester AHL games as a kid & hockey was big in my life. Now I'm old, 66 & in Philippines. Larry Zeidel, Mike Nykoluk, Barry Ashbee wow this is flashback city to me ! T/y for these vids as it sure brings back the good memory & good times to me.
Never knew any of this. Powerful. Great tribute.
Every day I am inspired
I loved this one! I’m a 90’s kid but prided myself on knowing all the legends of the game . I’m quite surprised I’ve never heard about Ashbee’s remarkable story. His story really would be a great film .
These are the players of my early youth. I've forgotten so many so this channel has been a real recharging of my love of the game in that era. Thanks for that and for doing it in such a respectful way without sounding like a hallmark card.
Thanks, Mark ... great comment that us very much appreciated ... no Hallmark cards here -- just old school reality!
What a beautiful job you did for Barry Ashbee and the Flyers organization. Hero
Thank you ... I'm grateful for your support!
Another outstanding documentary. I was aware that Barry had suffered a career ending eye injury as well of his passing. But I was not aware (until now) of the details. A story of perseverance and overcoming some challenges leading to his short but important career with the Flyers. Glad to hear that his memory and legacy has not been forgotten by Flyers fans.
Thanks again, my friend … appreciate the knowledge you bring to the comment section!
Awesome 😎
That was beautiful!! Well told. Thank you 😢
You are so welcome ... Thank you for your kind comment!
So ghoulish to have a correspondent on the ice interviewing the linesman while standing over Ashbee.
Agreed … I’m sure Brian had some idiot producer telling him to go on the ice. Bad look.
tears in my eyes over this.
This is the best episode you've produced so far. And there has been plenty of great ones !!.....
Thanks, my man … we’ll keep working hard for you!
05:47 I know some guys who played against MacLeish in Alumni games later in his life and he still had that type of speed.
Another fantastic story!! Idk how u find all these!! RIP Ashbee.. Hope u had a great Christmas 🎅🏻
Thanks again -- you too, young gun ... really enjoyed your recent vid on the #1s
That was a good one, thank you for telling this gentleman's story.
Glad you enjoyed it ... thanks for watching and for commenting!
I was at that game, I was 11 yrs old. That was the worse thing I had ever seen, I still remember him rolling around then trying to get up, you'll also notice the 1st Ranger player over to Ashbee was Rolfe himself...Terrible, Terrible injury. The gm was an afternoon game because the NHL signed a contract to televise the games on NBC Sports, listen to the announcer, TIM RYAN ! I was also at the game a few yrs later when Rolfe suffered a career ending injury getting his skate caught in a Rut in the ice and suffering a Compound Fracture
The Garden ice was questionable to day the least, the Circus,Knicks then Rangers all in 1 1/2 days
Great recall and excellent info …. I have a difficult time watching that film .. . Heartbreaking
A lot of people don't remember but in very Ashby's last season the one he got hurt in he started to become much much more offensive and had plenty of outstanding and to end rushes when beforehand he was known as a steady but kind of a blue line defenseman I was so proud of him to see his skating skills come around and him even starting to be involved in goal scoring and assist,, eventually though he got hurt that year I can still see him becoming more offensive and we also used to go to flyers practices which were free at Pennsylvania ice rink and I will never forget he told this barely large rough defenseman after he ran out of gas pretty early he said to him how many packs of cigarettes do you smoke a day it was funny
@@glennbernstein355 As mentioned in this video, Ashbee was disgusted with some players at one point for not working hard enough and wanted to be traded or quit - so I have to wonder if the "large rough defenseman" you mention who "ran out of gas" was possibly one of those players? Rumor had it that one player in particular who was a major part of Ashbee's ire was a big rough defenseman named Rick Foley, so I have to wonder if that was the guy you saw Ashbee needling in the practice session...In any event Foley spent one year with the Flyers in 71-72 while they were still trying to transition to a rougher club, but Shero and other top brass didn't like him because he couldn't keep his weight down and they had to let him go. He was kind of exciting to watch due to his sheer size - around 6'4" and about 230lbs (in those days that was a monster, and his major claim to notoriety was fighting two NY Rangers in one game at the same time and considered the winner of both! )...but the guy was just too overweight (and besides, Ashcan didn't like him), so he had to go.
@@glennbernstein355 "Ashby's last season the one he got hurt in" No shit, Sherlock. His career ending injury came in his last season? You sure it wasn't his first?
@@AbsoluteNut1 I'd tell you to calm down but you're an absolute nut.
His hockey school was in my home town Wasaga Beach and every kid I knew who went had nothing but good things to say about him.
I was a Ranger season ticket holder back then. I saw the injury from my blue seat. It was very gruesome. It was bad enough to see a guy end his career but even worse 3 years later that he got leukemia and succumbed to it. One of saddest stories I remember in 62 years of watching the NHL.
This guy, it’s like don’t trust anyone and don’t take anything for granted. I can respect that.
I don't know much about ice hockey but I am finding these videos gripping.
I'm glad you found us ... Thanks for your comment.
I remember Barry as I was a young boy just learning hockey 🏒 and as a defenseman players like him and Bob Gassoff of the Blues inspired myself ! He was a warrior !! R.I.P.
I had no idea. What a strong man he was
How could one not want to keep trying when one is fueled with desire but the odds conspire.
This life account is filled with power beyond words.
Ashbee: From Ice Warrior to a Warrior Angel. R.I.P.
🥰🥰🥰
I remember Barry Ashbee. I never kew he played in so much pain because he played it so hard and so tough. He was a textbook defenseman and played the game the way it should be played. Every team needs a guy like Barry Ashbee.
I know that Bobby Baun played for the Leafs in the 1964 playoffs with a broken leg, but Barry Ashbee playing with a herniated disc in his back was unbelievable. Its a shame his career was cut short & that he died so young.
Incredible story. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much!
During the 60’s Barry Ashlee would visit our Milton Hershey student home, Habana. As a 12 year old I was in awe.
I was only 12 but I recall the injury and the winning goal by Gilbert. I had no dog in the fight(I'm a Leafs' fan) but was watching anyway. Friend of mine is a lifelong Flyers fan from Ottawa(I'm from Halifax) and knows a LOT more about this than anyone I know.
Great story. He was a fighter in every sense of the word
Yet another very interesting watch 👍 Your work is tremendous 👏 Thanks for uploading.
I watched that game. I proudly marched down Broad Street that spring day in 1973. Even hockey fans of passing interest appreciated Barry Ashbee for the way that he lived his life. Flyers Wives Fight For Lives. Thank you for mentioning Joe, Jimmy, Moose, Ed Van Impe and all the other greats.
Thanks ... great memories you shared here.
Not a Flyers fan at all but played a fair bit of hockey, coached a fair bit of sports, and Barry Ashbee was by far one of the best defensive defencemen to ever play the game.
I wasn’t alive for those glory years but from what I read was that he was fearless.
thanks for introducing me to so many players I was completely unaware of
You are welcome … thank you for watching!
I’m glad you have gained value from
The channel - we’ll keep knocking ‘em out.
Nice piece on Ashbee. I have been a hockey fan for 55 years and never knew his entire story.
His second love was lacrosse, after his death he left an endowment to a local youth lacrosse club in Merion Pennsylvania that still plays today. Ashbee Lacrosse, and their colors are Black and Orange.
Those banners in Philadelphia are awesome. What a team and their impact on the NHL.
Excellent video and tribute. Well done.
Penguin fan here, and I remember him. Tragic ending to a very determined young man. You obtained your goal. RIP
I'm a Philly fan who was born in 73. I always thought Ashbee was on the team when they won both cups.
I never realized his career was over before the 74 cup
I’m a lifelong Ranger Fan who played defense in Junior then College hockey. I always admired Barry Ashlee’s tough and solid defense. I was at the game where he was hit Dale Rolfe’s shot, it was horrific to say the least.
THX D-man ... can't imagine how bad that scene was live.
What can you say the man was a warrior and a inspiration.
This page is fantastic. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! Your support is greatly appreciated!
I remember watching him play, and the game of the injury. He was hard-nosed and determined. Never took a shift off. Some players on the team now need to watch those games to see what it was like to really play hockey!
His road to the NHL was a long and painful one and yet his life was short and painful.
True, but he also got to experience things in his 37 years that other men can only dream of. Not only did he make it as a professional hockey player, but he also had his name written on Lord Stanley's Cup twice, once as a player and once as an assistant coach. Those Flyers teams of 74 and 75 are still legendary in the hearts of Flyers fans and many hockey fans still remember them as the Broadstreet Bullies. As their coach Ray Shero wrote on a chalkboard before game 6 of the finals against the Boston Bruins "Win together today and we walk together forever."
Loved Ashcan!
The premier channel for the serious hockey fan
Thank you! Greatly appreciate that!
Truly was a Horse 👍, your channel was just recently discovered by me. It’s given me many hours of pleasure looking back at what I think were hickeys glory days. Awesome research and the news clippings that coincide with the stories being told. Just love it
Loved watching Ashcan play. A warrior.
AMAZING im a hockey freak (kings) since 1972 i never heard of Ash 'can' if i were owner i would permanently have a small little #4 on the flyer jersey & every year have all the rookie & hopefuls know about this true HOCKEY MAN & why #4 is on their sweater
Great video once again 🙌🏽 I don’t understand why you don’t have more subscribers.. the content is in my opinion is one of the best, keep up your great work!
We’re moving up the ladder … steadily …. Thx for your support!
It seems like he had a long run of bad luck. But them again, he made the NHL and got to drink from the Stanley Cup. Very inspiring that he wasn’t ever a quitter
Great story, love your channel.
Thanks for the great tribute.
I was just a kid, but remember him playing because of the collar and then when he passed. That was a great Flyer line up in those days.
The reporter is on the ice? Thats sweet
Got chills watching this. Glad to know he got his name on the Cup.
Wow, on the ice interviewing the linesman, crazy!
Well told story's sad!
Amazing channel
Great video. Thank you for telling his story. It's wonderful to hear stories not often told. I look forward to the next video.
Thank you for watching … your support is greatly valued!
I remember Barry so well it was a tragedy
Wow this story gave me chills yet a lot of pride too by how the Flyers organization valued Barry's short time with the organization.The Flyers have always been a flagship of professionalism for the NHL and all of sports with a huge passionate fan base too. We lost Bob McCammon this past week another Flyer who coached here in Vancouver. RIP Men. Thanks for sharing PHA this story caught me off guard with the legendary Broad Street Bullies.
Thanks for watching BJM ... as aways, your comments add great value to this channel. THX!
Well, they were a class organization when Ed Snider was alive. Not so much now.
What a warrior, life is truly unfair sometimes but it seems he never looked at that way.
Quiet tough-guy. Flyers/Hershey hero of mine
Thank you for the video. It was pure gold
Glad you enjoyed it! ... Thank you for watching!
Another amazing and educating video, such a sad story!!! What a warrior.
Thanks, Andrew ... I can't thank you enough for your kind feedback, Thanks or watching. A warrior indeed.
What is inspirational story thank you for posting
Thanks, Jordan ... greatly appreciate you comments ... Barry was something special.
Thanks for including a few Seals pictures.
Love those Seals! Gotta included ‘em when I can!
I sat in Section V, Row 6 for Ashbee's entire career. That was the defensive zone for periods 1 and 3, so he was in front of us a lot. He was great.
Great video. Thank you.
You are welcome -- and thank you for the comment!
a real man . a true warrior
When men were men RIP big guy
Ashbee defined the word "guts". This is a guy who simply wouldn't be denied his rightful place in an NHL lineup. He's still revered by us Flyers fans.
can't believe he played through a crushed disc ... his wife had to literally drag him out of bed each morning
Touching story, I feel ignorant as a hockey fan that I never heard of this man. Thanks for this video.
you are welcome ... thanks for watching ... glad you could gain some insight on Barry Ashbee.
Great story . Thank you .
Thank you very much for watching!
Legend. And I am a Ranger fan. From the 70s, the venom between the Flyers and Rangers was palpable and never ending.
Man, that hits hard. Thank you for the story man, and to a great 2022!
Same to you, my friend ... thanks for watching!
@@ProHockeyAlumni cheers!
Another story I hadn't heard anything about. Thank you for another good educational video I honestly got teared up while watching.
Thanks, Tex ... happy you enjoyed this ... They don't make many like Barry Ashbee.
Wow - the 70's were just some crazy times in hockey . Your channel has info i never knew . Next up, Brian Spencer .
Thanks, Davey ... we love great fans fans like you!
Got to admire a guy that never gave up on a NHL career. Played 14 games for the Bruins and worked himself back to the NHL 5 years later. How Ironic he got a stanley cup ring against the team that gave up on him.
RIP Barry.