While the Los Angeles Kings are poised to win their first Stanley Cup tonight, one passionate hockey man will unfortunately not be able to watch "Doc" Emrick call the game as Fran Rubert, the founder and managing editor of "Center Ice Magazine", lost his valiant battle with cancer on Tuesday. A long time fixture of the Philadelphia hockey community, Fran was just 63. A good and gentle man, Fran was always cheerful and respectful as he went about his business of writing about and photographing "our game" with quiet intensity over the years. He not only covered the Flyers, but gave equal attention to the AHL Phantoms and to amateur hockey at all levels in the area.

A native of King of Prussia, Fran was also Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the Upper Merion Township (PA) Parks and Recreation Department. He was also a passionate historian with both a Bachelor's degree in History Education (1971) and a Masters in History (1982) from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Masters Public Administration (1988) from Penn State (Erie).


Fran Rubert (1949-2012)

I last saw Fran just a few weeks ago at the Wells Fargo Center as he was covering the Flyers in the Stanley Cup playoffs against Pittsburgh and New Jersey. Although his disease had clearly taken a heavy toll on Fran, he was still there doing his job with the same joy and dedication as he always had. A friend to all he traveled far and wide to bring news of hockey to a wide audience in his wonderful publication.

So when the Stanley Cup is awarded this year either tonight to the Los Angeles Kings, or not later than next Wednesday to the Kings or Devils, I will be thinking of Fran Rubert who so much enjoyed covering our wonderful game. I know he will be smiling from above.

R.I.P. my friend -- and a friend to all.


Funeral arrangements have been announced:

Friday June 8th
William A. Moore Funeral Home
708 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA
Viewing: 6-9pm

Saturday June 9th
Mother of Divine Providence Parish
333 Allendale Road
King of Prussia, PA
Viewing: 9-10am
Mass: 10am

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