Thousands pay tribute to legendary Lafleur
Almost three-hour-long lineup creates sense of comraderie for fans from around world
MONTREAL — Emotions ran high in Montreal on Sunday as thousands of Guy Lafleur's fans gathered to pay tribute to the Montreal Canadiens legend.
The almost three-hour-long lineup to enter the Bell Centre, the team's current home, created a sense of camaraderie among fans of all ages. Most of them were proudly wearing Lafleur's jersey.
Greggory Laberge, 55, flew in from Denver, Colo., and exchanged laughs with the stranger waiting in front of him as he prepared to pay his respects to his hockey idol.
“He was our hero … We all wanted to be Guy Lafleur on the rink,” said Laberge, who is originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Laberge tearfully said Lafleur's on-ice example sent a powerful message to boys like him — go out and conquer the world. “It's the end of an era,” he added.
Montrealer Alain Silverstone stood next to Laberge, nodding in agreement.
“He was a superstar, on ice and off the ice,” Silverstone said. “He's going to be missed, but his legacy will always live on.”
Sunday was the first of two days on which people were invited to pay their respects to the Hockey Hall of Famer as his body lay in state.
Lafleur, who helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup in 1973, and then again four more times from 1976 to 1979, died on April 22 at the age of 70 following a battle with lung cancer.
Quebec Premier François Legault, who previously called Lafleur the “greatest player in the history of the NHL,” spoke to the media after visiting Lafleur's casket with his wife.
“He was spectacular, like an artist,” Legault said.
“Guy Lafleur was unique, he was a great player and to be united is something important right now. With guys like Guy Lafleur, we are all together, waiting to pay tribute. He has to inspire us for the future.”
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also spoke to reporters, acknowledging people from all over the world who came to the city for this occasion.
“It shows that Guy Lafleur was loved,” Plante said. She reiterated her desire to find a place to create a lasting tribute to honour Lafleur.
“We need to make sure that Montreal forever remembers this legend,” Plante said.
A national funeral for Lafleur is scheduled for Tuesday at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal.