For many, the name Forbes Kennedy is synonymous with Prince Edward Islander success in the National Hockey League. Kennedy, known affectionately as Forbie on the island, passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of passion and toughness despite his smaller stature. His NHL career, which spanned from 1956 to 1969, saw him play over 600 games with teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Former NHL player and coach Gerard (Turk) Gallant, also from Summerside, acknowledged Kennedy’s mentorship role for aspiring Island hockey players. Gallant highlighted Kennedy’s ongoing support and encouragement for players returning from the NHL during the summers, emphasizing his impact on the local hockey scene.
Kennedy, in a 2018 interview with CBC News, expressed his love for the game of hockey and his unexpected journey to the NHL, where he accumulated 888 penalty minutes and 178 career points. Inducted into the P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame in 1968, Kennedy’s roots traced back to Dorchester, N.B., before his family settled in Charlottetown shortly after his birth.
Described by Island sports columnist Fred (Fiddler) MacDonald as a larger-than-life figure despite his physical stature, Kennedy was revered across P.E.I. for his colorful and genuine personality. Following his playing career, Kennedy coached hockey in the U.S. before returning to P.E.I. to continue nurturing young talent in the sport.
The impact of Kennedy’s playing style resonated with the Philadelphia Flyers during his tenure with the team from 1967 to 1969, where he helped shape the team’s identity and culture during its early years in the league. Despite not being the biggest player, Kennedy’s toughness, energy, and fearlessness left an indelible mark on the Flyers, earning him a reputation as a loyal teammate and a vital contributor to the team’s close-knit camaraderie.
Kennedy’s legacy as a hockey icon lives on, with tributes pouring in from the Charlottetown Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers, recognizing his enduring impact on the sport and the players he influenced throughout his storied career.