Claude Lemieux's family pays tribute to NHL champion who died days after Canadiens torch ceremony
Claude Lemieux, former two‑time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 60
Montreal, Quebec — The National Hockey League and the wider sports world are mourning the loss of Claude Lemieux, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 60. The former Canadiens star, whose career spanned more than a decade in the NHL, was still active in the public eye when he carried the ceremonial torch for the Montreal Canadiens on the night of Monday’s home game against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.
Lemieux, who wore No. 32 for the Canadiens, appeared in his blue‑and‑red jersey at the Bell Centre, holding the flame toward a darkened rink as the team prepared for Game 3. The sight of the veteran, still alive and engaged, was quickly turned bittersweet when news of his death spread across the league and the internet.
A career remembered
Born in the small Quebec town of Mont‑Laurier, Lemieux emerged as a powerful presence on the ice. He is best remembered for a dramatic goal that helped seal the Canadiens’ first-round victory over the Hartford Whalers in 1986. In Game 7 of that series, he slipped a backhander over goaltender Mike Liut’s glove into the top corner, a moment that remains one of the most iconic in franchise history.
Over the course of his NHL career, Lemieux played for several teams, most notably the Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he won his second Stanley Cup. His ten‑year tenure in the league included stints with the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers, among others. He was known for his gritty play, earning the respect of teammates and the ire of opponents—a sentiment echoed by former Canadiens center Doug Gilmour, who said, “He was a pain to play against, but you wanted him on your team.”
Family reactions
The news of Lemieux’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and fans. His daughter, Claudia Lemieux, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories, sharing a photo of her father’s tribute to a teammate and writing, “No words to express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl.” The post was met with dozens of comments expressing grief and admiration.
His son Brendan, who followed in his father’s footsteps to the NHL, honored Claude with a family photo on Instagram. “I love you dad! My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you,” he wrote, adding a red heart emoji. Brendan played in the NHL for a decade, most recently with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2023‑24 season, carrying forward the passion for the game that Claude had instilled in his family.
Legacy
Lemieux’s impact on the sport is remembered as both a fierce competitor and a respected teammate. His career highlights, including the legendary 1986 goal and his role in the Avalanche’s 2001 Stanley Cup win, cement his place in hockey history. The Canadiens organization, along with former teammates across the league, are expected to pay tribute to the player who once lit up the Bell Centre both on and off the ice.
As the NHL season continues, the league and its community will honor Claude Lemieux’s memory, reflecting on a player who, even after leaving the game, remained a vibrant part of the hockey world until his final days.