Tribute to
#31 Pelle Lindburgh
March 24, 1959 - November 13, 1985
One of the most tragic stories of the 1980's
in the National Hockey League was the untimely death of goaltender Pelle
Lindbergh.
The Stockholm native played amateur hockey in Sweden after being drafted
by the Flyers in the second round, 35th overall.
Pelle was a member of the 1980 Swedish Olympic
Team that captured the Bronze Medal in
1980. He appeared in five games and compiled
a 3.60 goals-against average.
Lindbergh was on his way to another outstanding year in
1985-86. He had won six of his first eight decisions
and allowed a stingy 2.88 goals per game.
His death sent shock waves through Philadelphia
and the surrounding areas that devastated thousands of
adoring Flyers fans. As he lay
brain dead, groups of Flyers fans
gathered outside the hospital where they held a prayer vigil in memory
of their fallen hero.
Pelle Lindbergh's hockey idol was former Flyers' goalie Bernie Parent.
He was always happy when people would mention to him how much he resembled
Bernie.
During Pelle's memorial service, Dave Poulin
eulogized...."He was a terrific competitor with
an unmatched will to win. Anything he did he had to be the best at, and through
his exuberance and personality, he transmitted that to us. He wasn't happy
unless there was something on the line."
Pelle Lindbergh was a colourfull character whose stay in Philadelphia
was cut short but whose presence left a mark that enriched the Flyers'
already glorious past!
lle
Pelle
Lindburgh
Statistics
SEASONS
GP
MINS
GA
SO
AVG
W
L
T
1982-85
157
9,151
503
7
3.33
87
49
15
Pelle appeared in two All-Star Games, won
the Vezina Trophy in 1985 and was named to the
All-Rookie and First
All-Star Teams.
Here are the Hockey Cards that featured Pelle
Lindbergh
Here are the Hockey Cards that featured Pelle
Lindbergh
Here are the Hockey Cards that featured Pelle
Lindbergh
Here are the Hockey Cards that featured Pelle Lindbergh from his days with
the Flyers.
CClicCliClick on the pictures to view
in larger size
C
C
Lindbergh
was embarking on what would have been a great career with the Philadelphia
Flyers. In three full seasons, Pelle appeared in two
All-Star Games, won the
Vezina Trophy in 1985 and was named to the
All-Rookie and First
All-Star Teams.
As a minor
leaguer, Pelle was superb. In two years with the Maine
Mariners he won the Most Valuable Player award
and shared the AHL's leading goaltender honors
with Robbie Moore in 1981. Pelle was called up to Philadelphia for
good early in 1982-83.
It ultimately all came
to a tragic end on November 10, 1985,
when his Porsche 911. was crushed
in the fatal car crash.
