Quebecers and hockey fans around the world are preparing to pay their last respects to Canadian legend Guy Lafleur as the province holds a national funeral in his honor.
Lafleur, who won five Stanley Cup titles and was a hockey hero in Quebec long before his NHL days, has died after a series of long-term health problems, including lung cancer. He was 70.
The funeral of the man, affectionately known as le Démon Blond, will begin at 11 a.m. ET at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal.
The CBC will broadcast the ceremonies live, with an English translation, in the live broadcast above.
“Today is a day to thank Guy Lafleur for everything he has given us over the years,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, shortly before entering church with his wife, Sophie Gregoire.
“All the victories, all the inspiration, the amazing games he played, but also his deep humanity. His contribution to the world around him was legendary and an inspiration to all of us.”
Quebec Prime Minister Francois Lego, who is also on a long list of high-ranking officials, described Lafleur as “the idol of the nation in Quebec.”
“We were so proud that a man who came from here was the best player in the world,” he said.
A spokesman for the Montreal Canadiens also confirmed that nearly 100 fans gathered in front of the church will be admitted.
The ceremony is after two days of public visits to the Bell Center, where thousands lined up for hours to pay their respects.
WATCH Thousands of fans paid tribute to Guy Lafleur in Montreal:
Guy Lafleur fans line up emotionally to say goodbye
Thousands flocked to the Bell Center in Montreal to pay their respects to Guy Lafleur. The visit was open to the public on Sunday and Monday. 1:27
Here’s how you can follow:
On TV: CBC News Network will be live from Mary Queen of the World Cathedral on Tuesday morning from 8 am. A special network after the ceremony, with live translation, will start at 10 am. Local programs in Montreal will continue to cover throughout the day.
On Digital: The CBC News Network special edition will be available on the CBC Montreal website as a live streaming starting at 10 a.m. ET. The special will also be available live on CBC Gem and on the CBC Montreal and CBC News Facebook pages.
By radio: A special radio station in Montreal will be broadcast on 88.5 FM – and on Quebec Community Network stations – on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET, hosted by Sean Appel and co-hosted by Sean Lions. including live updates from the scene by local reporters.
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