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Hockey community mourns death of Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur

Hockey community mourns death of Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur

On Friday, the hockey world was rocked by the death of one of its greats.

Montreal Canadiens legend and Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur, one of the most electrifying and flashiest players in NHL history, died at the age 70 after a battle with lung cancer, his family announced.

Serge Savard and Yvon Cournoyer celebrate with Guy Lafleur after he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the 1977 Stanley Cup Final. (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images)
Serge Savard and Yvon Cournoyer celebrate with Guy Lafleur after he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the 1977 Stanley Cup Final. (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images)

Lafleur appeared in 1,126 regular-season NHL games, tallying a spectacular 560 goals and 1,353 points. He also notched 134 points in 128 career playoff games, winning the Stanley Cup five times.

As news of his death was announced, the hockey community grieved together, sharing messages of condolences and honouring the memory of "Le Démon Blond."

Some of the biggest names around the game shared memories of the legendary goalscorer and recounted the effect he had on them as an idol, as did Canadian Prime Minister and noted Canadiens fan, Justin Trudeau.

Some NHL teams took a moment to share their thoughts on Lafleur’s passing, acknowledging his importance to the sport and his rightful place among the league’s greatest ever players.

Rest in peace, Guy.

“To you from failing hands we throw the torch be yours to hold it high.”

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