Thousands of Quebecers came to the cathedral of hockey on Sunday to pay their last respects to Guy Lafleur, a man who made them proud thanks to his exploits on the ice and his generosity off the ice.
The Bell Center has been transformed into a burning chapel for two days, to allow those who wish to say goodbye to one of the great legends of hockey and offer their condolences to the family.
Two large banners surrounded the one usually installed in the heights of the arena with the number 10 of Lafleur. The Stanley Cup, which Lafleur won five times with the Montreal Canadiens, beamed in the background of the deceased’s coffin. The Hart, Art-Ross, Conn-Smythe and Ted-Lindsay trophies sat on one side, while the family sat on the other.
The Premier of Quebec, François Legault, and the Mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, were among the first people to be able to offer their condolences to the representatives of the Lafleur family.
They spoke of Quebecers’ pride in seeing Lafleur dominate the NHL and become the best hockey player in the world for a few seasons. They also highlighted Lafleur’s outspokenness and great generosity.
Former Lafleur teammates also marched through the Ardent Chapel. The current players of the Canadian were to pass at the end of the afternoon.
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