One of the greats in hockey has passed away. Guy Lafleur, who won five Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens died on Friday after a nearly three year battle with cancer. This comes on the heels of another hockey great, Mike Bossy, passing away a week before.
Lafleur was a mainstay of the Canadiens teams of the 70s and early 80s. From 1974 to 1980, Lafleur scored over 50 goals including a career high 60 in the 1977-78 season. His assist tally also jumped with a career high 80 assists in the 1976-77 season as Lafleur was the cornerstone of a Canadiens team that won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1975-76 to 1978-79.
Even though he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, Lafleur came out of retirement to play three more years with the New York Rangers and the Quebec Nordiques. Lafleur retired for good in 1991, months shy of his 40th birthday.
Many paid tribute to Lafleur on the day of his passing. From NHL teams to players to media to fans, and even the prime minister of Canada, so many people paid their respects.
Guy Lafleur, or “The Flower,” was unlike anyone else on the ice. His speed, skill, and scoring were hard to believe. A record-setter and a five-time Stanley Cup champion, he inspired countless Quebecers, Canadians, and hockey fans around the world. We’ll miss you, Number 10.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 22, 2022
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the passing of Guy Lafleur. https://t.co/xcBQU066ew pic.twitter.com/MbSfbwZT1T
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 22, 2022
The entire Montreal Canadiens organization is mourning the loss of legendary Hall-of-Famer and Canadiens Ambassador Guy Lafleur, who passed away at the age of 70.
Rest in peace, Guy. 🕊️❤️https://t.co/vEqp39p0KL
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 22, 2022
Guy Lafleur was an iconic player and competitor. A legend of our game that will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts go out to the Lafleur family and the @CanadiensMTL organization. pic.twitter.com/dRybdQ8bUS
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 22, 2022
The Penguins join the hockey world in mourning the loss of Hall-of-Famer Guy Lafleur.
Our thoughts are with Guy's family, the Montreal Canadiens organization, and all those who watched in awe as Guy Lafleur sped down the ice with hair flowing in the wind. pic.twitter.com/Mp4KUrs7pz
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 22, 2022
The Bruins join the hockey world in mourning the passing of Canadiens legend and Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire Montreal organization. pic.twitter.com/DghuiJKMI0
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 22, 2022
The Flyers join the hockey community in mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer, Guy Lafleur. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lafleurs and the Montreal Canadiens. https://t.co/OiKy5qsYzW
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 22, 2022
The Winnipeg Jets are saddened to hear of the passing of NHL Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the @CanadiensMTL organization.
Rest in peace ❤️ https://t.co/QH1cXXHpv2
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 22, 2022
Rest in peace, Guy Lafleur.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lafleur's friends, family and the entire @CanadiensMTL community. 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/sXOxgNgykL
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 22, 2022
We join the hockey world in mourning the loss of @CanadiensMTL legend Guy Lafleur. Our condolences go out to all his family, friends & former teammates.
💙🧡+❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/6luLl2vChh
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 22, 2022
The Flames join the hockey world in mourning the loss of Guy Lafleur. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the @CanadiensMTL.
Rest in peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TvUHTxRaBg
— y – Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 22, 2022
“I leave the ice tonight, but I will never leave this sport that I love.”
⁃ Guy LafleurThe NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that @CanadiensMTL legend, Guy Lafleur has passed away at the age of 70 after a valiant battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/EnoLrJzOJ1
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) April 22, 2022
Two Legends. RIP Guy Lafleur and Mike Bossy pic.twitter.com/fiw3kRUOcZ
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) April 22, 2022
So sad to hear the passing of the legendary Guy Lafleur. He was one of my heroes growing up. I always pretended to be him when I was playing street hockey. A true legend of the game and an even better person. My condolences to the Lafleur Family. pic.twitter.com/dS3dFZKvgC
— Martin Brodeur (@MartinBrodeur) April 22, 2022
Another legend gone. RIP Guy Lafleur, one of the most electrifying players in hockey history. It’s not easy to be considered The Next Big Thing in Montreal, but Lafleur delivered and then some. It’s been a rough few months in particular for the hockey community. Make it stop.
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) April 22, 2022
I was too young to have watched Guy Lafleur in his prime, but even as a kid, I understood his place among hockey royalty
That's why the first thing I did with my first adult paycheque was to buy this- no collection would ever have been complete without a little Flower Power #RIP pic.twitter.com/7scS3ZrDMm
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) April 22, 2022
GUY LAFLEUR I LOVE YOU FOREVER. I COME TO THE MONTREAL MANY TIME I MEET YOU LOVED THE SPORTS. I NEVER FORGET YOU. GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 22, 2022
Once again, the hockey world lost a giant, our idol Guy Lafleur.
My deepest condolences to all those affected. Quebec is in mourning. Guy was an exceptional man, generous and very close to his fans. Quebec is in mourning. @CanadiensMTL pic.twitter.com/gyZsvoVoUs— Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) April 22, 2022
The term “rock star” has become overused, but this man was a rock star — and not just because he has his own disco album. RIP to a legend, Guy Lafleur. https://t.co/RlV3zEKjkc
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) April 22, 2022
Guy Lafleur..A skating Louis Vuitton commercial who stylishly flew on the ice and murdered pucks. Ferrari winger that attracted all eyes during his shifts..Was 1970’s Habs rocket fuel (5 Cups). In ‘78-‘79 he led team in scoring by 52 points. #1 NHL player in 2nd half of 1970’s. pic.twitter.com/RMQ5mz2Hlf
— House of Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) April 22, 2022
