Guy Lafleur has always been recognized for his talents as a unifier. Tuesday afternoon, exactly one week after a grand and moving national funeral in Montreal, it was united again, this time in Quebec, where 111 delegates present in the National Assembly voted in favor of a motion to pay tribute to him , which ended in a solemn moment of silence.
The motion was filed by Enrico Ciccone, Liberal MP for Marquette, but also a former National Hockey League player.
The date chosen for holding this salute, May 10, will inevitably remember the number Lafleur wore in his 17 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Canadiens, but also the New York Rangers and the Nordiques of Quebec between 1971. at 1991.
Also, this tribute coincides with the day with Lafleur’s most famous career goal, recorded in Game 7 of the semi-final series against the Boston Bruins on May 10, 1979.
In this tribute, Mr. Ciccone would also like to remind that Guy Lafleur has become an idol, also thanks to his participation in the Quebec community.
The National Assembly is living a solemn moment today as we celebrate the work and life of one of the most beloved and admired Quebecers in our history.Mr. Ciccone first said in front of one of Lafleur’s two children, Martin, and his wife Angelica, who were sitting on one of the Blue Room’s balconies.
There are three categories of great players: first there are those that positively influence a team’s results, then there are those that mark the history of their sport. Finally, in a separate and almost inaccessible category, there are those who immerse themselves in popular culture, in the collective imagination and in the hearts of their people. Guy Lafleur is one of those extraordinary creatureshe continued.
In his speech, Mr. Ciccone recalled that Lafleur made his mark in Quebec in his own way, as did two other great French -speaking legends in the history of the Canadiens before him.
Maurice Richard is Quebec rising. Jean Béliveau is Quebec with confidence and we respect. Guy Lafleur, Quebec we admired and won.
Representatives of the three other parties represented in the National Assembly also had the opportunity to express their respect and admiration for the man dubbed the Blond Demon. Starting with the Premier of Quebec and leader of the Coalition avenir Québec, François Legault.
We saw it for two weeks, the hearts of Quebecers were broken by this death. Guy Lafleur is more than just a hockey player, he’s an idol, a hero. He is also an actor. It was fun to see him play hockeyrecollection of Mr. Legault, before praising the human qualities and unifying Lafleur.
Quebec is united like never before, regardless of political party, language or background. Everyone wants to thank Guy Lafleur. And Guy Lafleur was honored in Quebec as much as in Montreal and he was able, despite all his success, to remain a simple man and have a kind of passion with Quebecers for 50 years.also underlined Mr. Legault, while qualifying Lafleur as immortal, in the same category as Maurice Richard, as Jean Béliveau.
Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, parliamentary leader of Québec solidaire, recalled how good he was as a player.
There is a statue of Guy Lafleur, here in Quebec, and the title of this statue is very evocative. It is written just below “Too strong for the league”. That’s all, Guy Lafleur. He’s the best player in his sport, the best player on his team. He is a winner at all levelsMr. Nadeau-Dubois mentioned before adding that Lafleur was an idol who marked history through the relationship he formed with the people of Quebec.
Méganne Perry Mélançon, PQ MP for Gaspé, said Lafleur was one of the personalities who was able to convey spirits and emotions like few.
He was one of those who forgot others. That keeps us captive in the moment, on the edge of our seats, that brings people together and inspires them in a positive, uplifting way.
Source: Radio-Canada
