New Glasgow man recalls encounter with hockey legend Guy Lafleur
Retired New Glasgow Regional Police Chief Eric MacNeil may have never played pro hockey, but he knows what it’s like to skate with – and be checked by – one of the greatest players of all time.
It happened in the ‘90s at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium in New Glasgow. On one side of the ice was the Pictou County Police All-Star Team. On the other the NHL Oldtimers. There were a lot of great players on the NHL team, including guys like Jimmy Mann and Eddie Shack, but standing out among them was Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur.
With Lafleur’s recent passing on April 22, MacNeil has been reminiscing of his encounter with the famed right winger.
“It’s not a night you forget when you’re in the company of such talent with the likes of Guy Lafleur,” MacNeil said.
The John Brother MacDonald Stadium was completely packed and, as MacNeil recalls, many people had to be turned away.
“I’ve been in that rink many times over the years watching junior A games and stuff like that and never ever saw it packed like that,” he said.
MacNeil admits he has never been a Montreal fan. His loyalties lie with Toronto,
but even as a fan of another team he always admired Lafleur’s style. Not only did he have incredible speed, but also seemed to have the puck handling ability to match.
“All those guys are amazing, but he really stood out,” MacNeil said.
Did the local team win?
“Ha, what do you think?” MacNeil said.
MacNeil recalls being in the Oldtimers end waiting for a pass, but before he could do anything with the puck, a hit came out of nowhere.
“I don’t know where the hell Guy came from, but he backchecked me and spun me around in circles,” MacNeil says.
What impressed him as much as Lafleur’s skills on the ice though was the way he interacted with the crowd.
“He stayed around probably until everybody left the rink,” MacNeil said. “Whoever wanted an autograph, he stayed and gave them an autograph. He was a real gentleman.”
While Lafleur and other players were down signing autographs, Shack had made his way up to the mezzanine of the New Glasgow stadium where he discovered the platters of lobster sandwiches.
“They were a little upset with Eddie Shack because he ate all the lobster off the sandwiches,” MacNeil said, laughing at the memory.
A few years later, MacNeil had another chance to chat with Lafleur. The NHLer was in town for the Weeks' celebrity golf tournament and stopped in at the New Glasgow Regional Police department where MacNeil presented him with a hat.
“He was a great guy and sadly missed by not only Montreal fans but everybody who appreciates hockey.”