Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur to lie in state at Montreal’s Bell Centre
MONTREAL — Feelings ran excessive in Montreal on Sunday as hundreds of Man Lafleur’s followers gathered to pay tribute to the Montreal Canadiens legend.
The just about three-hour-long lineup to enter the Bell Centre, the staff’s present dwelling, created a way of camaraderie amongst followers of all ages — most of them had been proudly carrying Lafleur’s jersey.
Greggory Laberge, 55, flew in from Denver, Colorado, and exchanged laughs with the stranger ready in entrance of him as he ready to pay his respects to his hockey idol.
“He was our hero … All of us needed to be Man Lafleur on the rink,” stated Laberge, who’s initially from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Laberge tearfully stated Lafleur’s on-ice instance despatched a strong message to boys like him — exit and conquer the world.
“It is the tip of an period,” he added.
Montrealer Alain Silverstone stood subsequent to Laberge, nodding in settlement.
“He was a celebrity, on ice and off the ice,” Silverstone stated. “He’s going to be missed, however his legacy will at all times reside on.”
Lafleur’s physique lay in state on Sunday, the primary of two days on which individuals had been invited to pay their respects to the Hockey Corridor of Famer.
Lafleur, who helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup in 1973, after which once more 4 extra occasions from 1976 to 1979, died on April 22 on the age of 70 following a battle with lung most cancers.
Canadiens Normal Supervisor Kent Hughes stated even in troublesome occasions, Lafleur would consider the staff.
“I despatched him a textual content message across the commerce deadline to inform him I hoped his well being would enhance, that we might hopefully have an opportunity to satisfy and discuss to the staff,” Hughes stated on Saturday, calling Lafleur the Montreal Canadiens hockey participant of his childhood.
“He answered that he was persevering with to battle and that he hoped to someday meet in particular person.”
Lafleur completed with a complete of 560 targets and 793 assists for 1,353 factors in 1,126 video games over his 17-season profession. He was later named one of many NHL’s top-100 gamers of all-time.
Quebec Premier François Legault, who beforehand known as Lafleur the “best participant within the historical past of the NHL,” spoke to the media after visiting Lafleur’s casket along with his spouse.
“He was spectacular, like an artist,” Legault stated.
“Man Lafleur was distinctive, he was an amazing participant and to be united is one thing essential proper now. With guys like Man Lafleur, we’re all collectively, ready to pay tribute. He has to encourage us for the long run.”
Legault, 64, stated it was scary to see Lafleur die so younger.
“I’ve bought every kind of souvenirs … I misplaced my father younger, he was 59-years-old. I bear in mind moments I had with my father watching Man Lafleur and listening to the crowds saying Man! Man! Man! That was one thing.”
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante additionally spoke to reporters, acknowledging individuals from everywhere in the world who got here to the town for this event.
“It exhibits that Man Lafleur was liked,” Plante stated. “I spoke with numerous residents who advised me Man Lafleur made them proud. He touched lots of people along with his generosity, authenticity, ardour, and expertise.”
She reiterated her need to discover a place to create an enduring tribute to honor Lafleur.
“We have to be sure that Montreal without end remembers this legend,” Plante stated.
Among the many followers who made the journey to commemorate Lafleur was Alex Landreville. He was standing away from the principle crowd, reflecting on Lafleur’s accomplishments on the base of the participant’s statue situated exterior the Montreal Canadiens’ enviornment, the place flowers and handwritten notes had been laid out.
Landreville, who lives in Ottawa, is a part of the youthful technology who by no means bought the prospect to see Lafleur play.
He, nonetheless, awoke at 6 a.m. on Sunday to drive his dad and uncle to Montreal for the visitation — each males from whom he is heard tales about Lafleur’s exploits.
“Not lacking this was essential,” Landreville stated. “I knew how massive he was, you possibly can hear individuals going loopy proper now.”
Lafleur shall be mendacity in state till 8 p.m. Sunday and on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to three p.m.
A nationwide funeral for Lafleur can be scheduled for Tuesday and shall be held at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Could 1, 2022.
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This story was produced with the monetary help of the Meta and Canadian Press Information Fellowship.
Virginie Ann, The Canadian Press
