The death of Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame and legend Guy Lafleur on Friday at the age of 70 sparked unrest around the world of hockey.
Selected No. 1 in the NHL Draft in 1971, Lafleur recorded 518 goals and 728 assists in 14 seasons with Montreal. With the brilliant striker at the helm, the Canadians won everything in 1973, and then four more times from 1976 to 1979.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a well-known Canadian fan, said Lafleur was “unlike anyone else on the ice”.
“His speed, skills and results were hard to believe,” Trudeau wrote on Twitter. “Setting records and a five-time Stanley Cup champion, he has inspired countless Quebecers, Canadians and hockey fans around the world.
“We’ll miss you, number 10.”
WATCH Trudeau reacts to Lafleur’s death:
“He was a hero,” Trudeau said in response to Guy Lafleur’s death
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Guy Lafleur, a Canadian hockey legend who died on Friday at the age of 70, a hero and said his thoughts were with his family. 0:32
Named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of All Time in 2017, Lafleur finished with 560 goals and 793 assists in 1,126 games in his 17 seasons.
He holds the Canadiens’ all-time record for assists and points. He scored at least 50 times in six consecutive campaigns from 1974-75 to 1979-80.
Lafleur won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer for three consecutive years from 1976 to 1978, the Hart Trophy as League MVP in 1977 and 1978, and the Con Smythe Trophy as MVP in the playoffs in 1977.
“As a boy in Montreal, Guy was bigger than life for me,” said Hall of Fame colleague Mario Lemieux. “I adored him as a player, I respected him as a person and I always value him as a friend. I will miss him.”
The Penguins join the world of hockey in grief over the loss of Guy Lafleur Hall of Fame.
Our thoughts are with Guy’s family, the Montreal Canadiens, and all those who watched in awe as Guy Lafleur accelerated the ice with his hair flowing in the wind. pic.twitter.com/Mp4KUrs7pz
– @ penguins
Montreal-born Hall of Fame goalkeeper Martin Broder said Lafleur was one of his childhood heroes.
“I always pretended to be him when I played street hockey. A true legend of the game and an even better person. My condolences to the Lafleur family,” Broder wrote on Twitter.
So sad to hear the death of the legendary Guy Lafleur. He was one of my growing up heroes. I always pretended to be him when I played street hockey. A true legend of the game and an even better person. My condolences to the Lafleur family. pic.twitter.com/dS3dFZKvgC
– @MartinBrodeur
Lafleur, who retired from the NHL in 1985 after Montreal rejected his request for an exchange, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. But he returned later that year with the New York Rangers and then played more. two seasons with the Quebec Nordics before hanging up his skates forever in 1991.
“You didn’t have to see Guy Lafleur’s name and number on his sweater when The Flower had the puck on its wand,” NHL Commissioner Gary Batman said in a statement. “As distinctively stylish as he is incredibly talented, Lafleur cut a nimble and flawless figure every time he blazed on the ice of the Montreal Forum, his long blond locks running after him as he prepared to shoot a new puck past a helpless goalkeeper – or set. . to a teammate for a goal. “
Lafleur was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, when the tumors were discovered by doctors performing emergency heart surgery with quadruple bypass.
Two months later, he went under the knife again to remove both the upper lobe of the lungs and the lymph nodes.
However, Lafleur received bad news in October 2020 that the cancer had returned, forcing him to resume treatment.
Lafleur’s family released a statement earlier this month thanking fans for their empathy, and the “outpouring of love” showed Canadiens’ greatness, adding that he had been closely monitored by doctors and had occasional hospital checkups. but he was at home.
Lafleur underwent quadruple bypass surgery in September 2019 after four of his coronary arteries were found to be completely blocked and one-fifth nearly 90 percent blocked during a routine medical examination to renew his license. helicopter pilot.
WATCH How Lafleur Became a Hab:
The story of how Guy Lafleur became Montreal Canadian
Guy Lafleur is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and one of the greatest Montreal Canadiens of all time. But how did it even start with Habs? 4:25
After the cancer was discovered, two months later, doctors removed a third of his right lung.
A chain smoker to these health fears, Lafleur has partnered with Merck Canada as part of its Be The MVP campaign to raise awareness about early detection of lung cancer.
Canadian President Jeff Molson said the organization was devastated.
“Guy Lafleur has had an outstanding career and has always remained simple, accessible and close to the Habs and hockey fans in Quebec, Canada and around the world,” Molson said in a statement. “Throughout his career, he has allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride. He has been one of the greatest players in our organization, while also becoming an outstanding ambassador for our sport.”
The entire Montreal Canadiens organization mourns the loss of legendary Hall of Fame member and Canadiens ambassador Guy Lafleur, who died at the age of 70.
Rest in peace, Guy. 🕊️❤️https://t.co/vEqp39p0KL
– @CanadiensMTL
Lafleur, whose pullover No. 10 was retired from the Canadiens in 1985, hadn’t been much public in recent years after being diagnosed with cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic, but received a standing ovation at the Bell Center during Montreal’s incredible transition to last year’s Cup final. season.
He also withdrew from the Quebec Youth Hockey League in October.
Add Comment