The Carolina Hurricanes held a touching tribute to late hockey 'great' Claude Lemieux on Friday night, just four days after he served as the ceremonial torch bearer for the Montreal Canadiens earlier this week. Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the most controversial players in hockey history, died by suicide in the early hours of Thursday morning at the age of 60.
Emotional Tribute Before Game
Before their Eastern Conference Final matchup against the Canadiens at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Hurricanes honored Lemieux with a moment of silence and a video tribute. The arena announcer said, 'The hockey world lost a great champion yesterday, with the passing of Claude Lemieux. Known across the league as a fierce competitor, the winner of four Stanley Cups, and known to our organization as a father and advisor.' A picture of Lemieux appeared on the jumbotron, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd.
Legacy and Family
Lemieux was drafted by the Canadiens in 1983 and won his first Stanley Cup with them in 1986. His son, Brendan, played for the Hurricanes a few years ago. Lemieux also worked as an agent, representing Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen, who described Lemieux as 'like family.' The announcer continued: 'Claude left a lasting legacy on our great game. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and every player his life impacted.'
Details of His Death
Authorities responded just after 3 a.m. Thursday to an apparent suicide at the family's furniture store, Andros Home, in Lake Park, Florida. Reports indicate Lemieux was found in a warehouse by one of his sons, having hanged himself. He is survived by his wife Deborah and their four children: Claudia, 29, and sons Christopher, 37, Michael, 34, and Brendan, 30.
Heartbreaking Tributes from Family
Brendan honored his father with a social media post showing three generations of the Lemieux family, writing: 'I love you dad! My son's favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.' Christopher said: 'Sometimes life has a brutal way of reminding you to appreciate what you have before it becomes a memory... I'll miss you dad.' Claudia added: 'No words can express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl.'
Career and Controversy
Lemieux's NHL career spanned from 1983 to 2009, during which he won four Stanley Cups with the Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche. His 80 playoff goals rank ninth in NHL history, and his 234 playoff games are sixth. However, he was also known for his aggressive style, amassing 1,777 career penalty minutes. He is famously remembered for a devastating hit on Detroit Red Wings star Kris Draper that sparked a long-standing feud between the Avalanche and Red Wings.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement: 'The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history. We send our deepest condolences to Claude's wife, Deborah, and his four children.'
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.
