2024 - "With Guy Lafleur, we were winners," says François Legault

Prime Minister François Legault was at the Bell Center on Sunday to pay tribute to the late Guy Lafleur, exposed in the state.

• Read also – [EN DIRECT] Ardent Chapel of Guy Lafleur: the Bell Center opens its doors to supporters

“With Guy Lafleur, we were winners,” proudly declared the Premier, a fervent supporter of the Montreal Canadiens.

Called to recall his best memories about the Blond Demon, Mr. Legault was not able to go with a moment in particular. He went there with an enumeration that will not fail to make smile the older ones who have seen Lafleur at work.

“To see him come to the right wing and see him cross the blue line with his slap shot and bang! Me, it’s the image I have of Guy Lafleur. Obviously there are the five Stanley Cups and his trio with Jacques Lemaire and Steve Shutt, it was “fun” to see them on the ice, “he said.

The Prime Minister also addressed the outspokenness of the former Habs color holder. “Guy Lafleur was telling the real business,” he said.

A remarkable human being

Also present at the ceremony, the mayor of Montreal Valérie Plante also paid tribute to number 10.

“He was a proud man. He was a very proud, very talented hockey player. He brought with him that pride that Quebecers all need,” she said.

“His departure is sad, but definitely, he will have marked a lot of people by his generosity, by his authenticity, his passion and, of course, his talent”, added M^me Plant.

Guy Lafleur | 1951-2022

March 30, 1991 – Ovation for Guy Lafleur during his last game at the Forum in a Nordiques uniform. Archives / Le Journal de Montreal

Guy Lafleur during his years with Le Canadien Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images

Guy Lafleur André Toto Gingras THE MONTREAL JOURNAL/QMI AGENCY

The Canadian Hockey Club presents the recipients of the Guy-Lafleur Excellence and Merit Awards for 2017-2018 CHANTAL POIRIER / LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL

Guy Lafleur during the last game of his farewell tour at the Bell Center on Sunday December 5, 2010. Sébastien St-Jean / 24Heures / QMI Agency

September 11, 1971 – On the eve of his first training camp with the Montreal Canadiens, for the first time Guy Lafleur took the opportunity to skate on the Forum ice rink. In the photo he is with Jean Béliveau. Archives / Le Journal de Montreal

Autographed photo of Guy Lafleur in his Quebec Remparts uniform Courtesy

Guy Lafleur as part of the evening for the retirement of Guy Lafleur’s number 4 at the Slush Puppie Center in Gatineau on Wednesday September 29, 2021 MARTIN CHEVALIER / LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL

Guy Lafleur and his banner as part of the evening for the retirement of Guy Lafleur’s number 4 at the Slush Puppie Center in Gatineau on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 MARTIN CHEVALIER / LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL

Guy Lafleur’s last game with the Quebec Nordiques, in Montreal on March 30, 1991 Archives / Le Journal de Montreal

Sculpture by Guy Lafleur in bronze Archives / Le Journal de Montreal

Guy Lafleur, Pee-Wee Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament Collection, Modern Photo Fund

Guy Lafleur and the Art Ross, Conn Smythe and Lester B. Pearson trophies, Montreal Forum, 1976 Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images

Guy Lafleur, then a member of Team Canada, signs autographs during practice for the Canada Cup, Montreal 1976 Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images

Guy Lafleur and goaltender Murray Bannerman #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Forum 1980 Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images

Guy Lafleur and goaltender Mike Palmateer of the Toronto Maple Leafs Dick Darrell/Toronto Star via Getty Images

March 7, 1975 – Guy Lafleur becomes the first player in Canadiens history to reach 100 points in a single season in an 8-4 win over the Washington Capitals Archives / Le Journal de Montreal

Guy Lafleur on the bench during Game 3 against the Boston Bruins, Boston Gardens, 1977 Dick Raphael/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Announcement of Guy Lafleur’s first retirement The Archives / The Journal of Montreal

The QMJHL retires Guy Lafleur’s number 4 at the Videotron Center in Quebec, Thursday October 28, 2021 STEVENS LEBLANC / JOURNAL DE QUEBEC / QMI AGENCY

The Mayor also indicated that the City would honor the memory of Guy Lafleur.

“We have to make sure that Guy Lafleur’s legacy lives on. As for the City of Montreal, we want to find a place to precisely honor the memory of Guy Lafleur and ensure that in our streets, in the city of Montreal, we remember this incredible legend forever, but also of all he left [derrière lui]“said Ms. Plante.

The Ardent Chapel will continue until 8 p.m. Sunday, then from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. The state funeral will be held at Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral on Tuesday at 11 a.m.