“The entire Montreal Canadiens organization is in mourning following the passing of its ambassador and legendary Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur, who passed away at the age of 70.”
• Read also: A state funeral for Guy Lafleur?
• Read also: Legendary Guy Lafleur dies at 70
Like all of Quebec, the CH mourns the death of Guy Lafleur. The organization thus reacted, Friday morning, by means of a press release. Details of upcoming initiatives to honor and celebrate the deceased will be announced shortly, it said.
In the early afternoon, the president and owner of the Canadian Hockey Club, Geoff Molson, spoke at a press conference, first taking a long break to hold back his sobs.
“Guy is a monument in the history of sport in Quebec, underlined Mr. Molson, recalling that he himself had encouraged Lafleur when he was a child. He was always there for anyone.”
Mr. Molson, who had repatriated Lafleur as ambassador of the Canadiens in 2009, revealed that he had visited the famous number 10 recently and that he retained his humor despite the illness.
“Guy Lafleur has had an exceptional career and he has always remained simple, accessible and close to supporters and hockey fans in Quebec, Canada and around the world, Molson had formulated in an official statement in the morning. Throughout his career, he has allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride. He was one of the greatest players in our organization while becoming an extraordinary ambassador for our sport.
The Rangers too
Like Gretzky, Lafleur wore the Rangers uniform late in his career. The New York organization obviously reacted to the death of its former player.
“Rangers are saddened to learn of the passing of legend and former ‘Blueshirt’ Guy Lafleur,” a statement read. Our thoughts and prayers are with Guy’s family, loved ones and friends, and with the entire Montreal Canadiens organization as we mourn the loss of one of hockey’s greats. Guy was admired and adored by many and will be greatly missed by all.”
Lafleur played one season with the Rangers when he returned from his first retirement. He totaled 18 goals and 45 points in 67 games before joining the Quebec Nordiques.
“Our Greatest Legend”
Through the many reactions that followed the announcement of Guy Lafleur’s death, the time has also come to present his condolences to the family, namely to his wife Lise, his sons Martin and Mark, his mother Pierrette, his four sisters forget her granddaughter Sienna-Rose.
This is what the famous number 10 would have done, with his usual class. Again last week, when he was diminished by illness, Lafleur had taken care to react to the death of Mike Bossy.
“I have a heavy heart on learning this sad news, he testified on social networks. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mike’s family. We have lost a great man and a legend.”
A great man, a legend. That’s also what Guy Lafleur represents for Canadiens fans and more.
“We are wholeheartedly with the family of Guy Lafleur, has also reacted the Bossy family, as a fair swing of the pendulum. We offer them our condolences and wish them to find the comfort necessary to overcome this ordeal. Both on the ice and in the community, M Lafleur will have shone.”
“It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our greatest legend, Guy Lafleur,” noted the Quebec Remparts organization, his former junior club, in a post on Twitter.
“The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has just lost the man who was at the origin of this league in 1969, declared Gilles Courteau, commissioner of the LHJMQ. Guy Lafleur will have been the best player in the history of the QMJHL and has become its number 1 ambassador.
Across the National Hockey League, the tributes will obviously extend beyond the Canadiens. The Ottawa Senators, who receive a visit from the CH on Saturday evening, will no doubt have a thought for Lafleur, who was also a native of Thurso, in the Outaouais region.
What they said…
“It’s difficult, even if we knew it was coming… I feel a little lonely”
–Yvan Cournoyer
“We lost two legends in the last week. It was an honor to play with everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.”
–Wayne Gretzky, also alluding to the death of Mike Bossy
“I offer my most sincere sympathy to his wife Lise, his sons Martin and Mark, his mother Pierrette Lafleur, his granddaughter Sienna-Rose as well as his sisters Lise, Gisèle, Suzanne and Lucie”
–Geoff Molson
“There was no need [pour le reconnaître] to see Guy Lafleur’s name and number on his jersey when “Flower” had the puck on his stick”
– Gary Bettman, praising the player’s distinctive style and remarkable talent
“Guy Lafleur is the Montreal Canadiens”
– Martin St-Louis
“He was a pillar of the Canadian and explained the pride of being able to wear the CH logo”
–Brendan Gallagher
“He was extremely brave. He fought until the end”
– Ronald Corey
“He had great respect from his supporters. He was happy and gave autographs as he wanted. He was very generous.”
–Pierre Bouchard