It’s been 37 years since Guy Lafleur last played for the Montreal Canadiens, but fans chanted his name before the team went on the ice on Sunday at the Bell Center.
For just over 10 minutes, Habs fans applauded Lafleur, who died Friday at the age of 70, to applause from “Guy, Guy, Guy!” Mixed with chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole!” and “Go Habs Go!”
Twice, the announcer of the game started saying something, just to let the fans continue to applaud. Finally, he asked the fans to remain silent for a moment of silence in honor of Lafleur.
It was a mixture of gloom and celebration as the Canadians celebrated the passing of one of their greats before a game against the visiting Boston Bruins.
WATCH l Canadiens honor Lafleur’s legacy at a ceremony:
The Canadians honored Guy Lafleur’s legacy at the pre-match ceremony
Montreal Canadiens icon Guy Lafleur, who died Friday, was honored with a special ceremony before the game at the Bell Center. 17:14
Images of Lafleur’s youth were projected on the ice before videos of his time with the Habs to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” were shown on the arena screen.
While there was a video of Lafleur’s biggest goals, a decisive goal against Boston in the Stanley Cup final elicited the greatest applause.
But there were also images of The Flower lifting the Stanley Cup – the Hall of Fame won five with Montreal – and participating in the Victory Parade, which was a regular event in Montreal during his time with the team.
“We must never forget that playing hockey is not a job, it is a game, we have to have fun,” Lafleur said in one of the videos. “And earn as much as possible.”
On the board, the usual advertisements were replaced by a simple tribute to Lafleur: his name, his number, his signature and the years of his life – 1951 to 2022.
Eric Howla scored twice when the Bruins ran away with a 5-3 win over the Canadiens on an emotional night.
Patrice Bergeron also scored two goals, including an empty net, and one assist. Charlie McAvoy added the ultimate winner to the game. Jeremy Swiman made 23 saves.
Montreal’s Josh Anderson, Mike Hoffman and Nick Suzuki added goals while Jeff Petrie recorded two assists. Samuel Montembo made 37 saves.
“It was an emotional night for Guy. We felt that Guy was with us in the third, “said Canadiens interim coach Martin St. Louis. “As I told my players, you play so many games in the league, you may remember a few games from the regular season, but you will remember this one.
“On a night like this, if [the players] I didn’t know what the Canadians were for Quebec, I think they know tonight. “
WATCH l Canadians fall from Bruins on an emotional night in Montreal:
The Canadiens suffered their 9th straight loss after Howl of Bruins scored after a penalty
Montreal lost to Boston 5-3 for the ninth straight loss. Eric Howla scored after a penalty and finished the match with two goals. 1:45
Patrice Bergeron broke the ice for Boston (49-25-5) by hitting a loose puck into an open net. The center overtook Raymond Burke as the fourth all-time top scorer in Bruins history.
After the last bell, Brendan Gallagher led his teammates back on the ice to greet retired Lafleur number 10.
“It’s a great show of respect, I’m happy about that [Gallagher] do this. Guy deserves that respect, “said St. Louis.” It’s important to give that to the next generation of players. Heritage is important. “
Former teammates remember Habs very well
Ivan Cournoye, who played with Lafleur between 1971 and 1979, told reporters that he knew there was something special about Lafleur from the moment he joined the Habs.
“I won five cups for Stanley before he arrived, I told you he had something to do with this man, I would win more cups for Stanley, and I was right,” said Cournotay, Guy’s black number 10 button on his lapel.
Cournoyet said that while everyone can see how many goals Lafleur has scored, he will remember his friend.
“You don’t forget a man like Guy, I’m talking about a man,” Cournotay said, describing Lafleur as a man worthy of his popularity. “He loves everyone, everyone loves him.”
A disassembly for Guy.
Gathering for Guy. pic.twitter.com/kCyWEGthy0
– @CanadiensMTL
Chris Nilan, who played for Montreal between 1980 and 1988, said Lafleur helped him feel like he belonged to the team when he first joined, arguing with him before his first training session with the team.
“We both skated together on the ice, just me and Guy, it was amazing. We handed over the puck, he gave me some shooting tips, and I never managed to hit Guy, but he tried. I will never do that. forget that day, it was so special to me, “he said.
“He always treated me with respect, never less than. Some stars, they put themselves on a different level, somehow on a pedestal, not Guy, he never looked down on me,” Nilan said. “Just a great man.”
Before the ceremony, fans gathered in front of the statue of Lafleur outside the arena.
Thanks for Guy. ❤️
Thank you for being with Guy. pic.twitter.com/fqaaSK45yQ
– @CanadiensMTL
Fan Daniel Lesard, who placed a bouquet of flowers in front of the statue, said Lafleur remained her favorite player long after he stopped playing.
As a child, she said she wrote to Lafleur and he sent back a postcard and autograph.
For her, it was the “speed, the elegance” of his game that she loved.
“You can count on him. You knew he would score that goal.”
Lafleur’s national funeral is scheduled for May 3rd, the Quebec prime minister said earlier on Sunday.
Add Comment