Canadiens and Quebec to honor memory of Guy Lafleur
Anthony Scultore
|
On Sunday, Quebec premier Francois Legault announced that Guy Lafleur will be properly honored. Legault said Lafleur’s family agreed to the state funeral, which will be held May 3 at 11 a.m. at the Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral in downtown Montreal.
In addition, the Montreal Canadiens along with the Lafleur family have announced several events to pay respect to his memory and allow fans to participate.
“Out of respect for the public, which has supported Guy over the years, the Lafleur family has agreed to share their grief with the community,” the Habs said in a statement. “And in keeping with the family’s wishes, all activities will reflect the image of the late hockey legend: they will be humble and accessible.”
Prior to the funeral, Lafleur will lie in state at the Bell Centre, with visitation on May 1 from noon to 8 p.m. and May 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fans will be able to pay respects using the main entrance at 1909 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal.
Life of Guy Lafleur to be honored
Lafleur died Friday at age 70. He was a native of Quebec and played 16 of his 17 NHL seasons in the province.
At tonight’s game at the Bell Centre, the players will all were a patch with Lafleur’s No. 10 on their sweaters. There will also be a special ceremony before puck drop for fans.
Nicknamed “The Flower,” Lafleur was a five-time Stanley Cup champion for the Montreal Canadiens (1973, 1976-79) and twice won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP (1976-77, 1977-78). He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1977 as MVP of the playoffs.
After 14 seasons with the Canadiens, he played one season with the New York Rangers and two with the Quebec Nordiques before retiring in 1991.
A Hockey Hall of Fame member, Lafleur had been battling lung cancer, and other ailments, since 2019.
Fellow former Canadiens stars Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau also had state funerals in 2000 and 2014, respectively.
“You didn’t need to see Guy Lafleur’s name and number on his sweater when ‘The Flower’ had the puck on his stick,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “As distinctively stylish as he was remarkably talented, Lafleur cut a dashing and unmistakable figure whenever he blazed down the ice of the Montreal Forum, his long blond locks flowing in his wake as he prepared to rifle another puck past a helpless goaltender — or set up a linemate for a goal.”
–Field Level Media contributed to this article.