Tribute to Claude Lemieux at Eastern Conference Finals

Before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hurricanes and Canadiens took a moment to honor the late Claude Lemieux.

On Friday, just prior to the Hurricanes’ 6-1 victory that secured their spot in the Stanley Cup Final, a large screen at Lenovo Center displayed a photo of Lemieux. Players from both teams gathered at center ice to participate in the tribute. Lemieux had dedicated the first seven years of his professional career to the Canadiens.

“The hockey world lost a great champion yesterday with the passing of Claude Lemieux,” announced Wade Minter, the public information announcer for the Hurricanes. “He was a fierce competitor and a four-time Stanley Cup winner, but to us, he was also a father figure and a mentor.”

The crowd applauded as the screen showed an image of Lemieux at a Canadiens playoff game just days before his tragic passing by suicide at his family’s business in Florida, where he was 60 years old.

Authorities reported that Lemieux was found hanged behind a warehouse of a residential design company in Lake Park, Florida.

A native of Quebec, Lemieux was drafted by the Canadiens in 1983 and clinched his first championship with the team in 1986.

Canadiens owner Jeff Molson expressed condolences, stating, “Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. Our hearts go out to Claude’s family and loved ones. He was a fierce competitor who excelled when it mattered the most, embodying what it means to be a Montreal Canadiens player.”

Molson added, “Today, we mourn the loss of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

If you are having suicidal thoughts or are in a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.