The hockey world has been rocked by the sudden death of 21-year NHL forward Claude Lemieux, who, days after making a public appearance, passed away at 60 years of age.
Lemieux, who was known for his physical play and often referred to as a pest, is a four time Stanley Cup winner who played for the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, a second stint with the Devils, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and in 2008-09, 18 games with the San Jose Sharks.
What makes this death extra shocking is that days prior, on Monday, May 25th, Lemieux, decked out in his trademark No. 32 Canadiens sweater, was all smiles when prior to the Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes Eastern Conference Game 3, he walked into the Bell Centre with the torch held high which was met by a thunderous ovation from fans.
While it’s true that Lemieux achieved many great accomplishments, including scoring 19 playoff game-winning goals, winning the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy as a member of the New Jersey Devils and ranking ninth all-time with 80 career playoff goals, he is much talked about and probably best known for that ugly, long ago controversial 1996 playoff hit which in hindsight sparked that historical Western Conference rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Avalanche.
Veteran Claude Lemieux Sparked Avalanche-Red Wings Late 1990’s Rivalry
Lemieux, who as mentioned earlier was known for being an agitating pest began the rivalry when on May 29, 1996, as a member of the Avalanche, he infuriated the Joe Louis Area fans and Red Wing players when he went over the line by nailing from behind an unsuspecting Kris Draper into the boards which resulted in this beloved forward suffering a multitude of injuries including a concussion, broken jaw, broken nose and a fractured cheekbone.
Colorado would go on to win Game 6 by a 4-1 score and advanced to the Stanley Cup finals where they wouldn’t have the services of Lemieux for two games due to a suspension.
Not long after, Colorado would go on to sweep the Florida Panthers in capturing the 1996 Stanley Cup.
The Red Wings had to wait several months until March 26, 1997 when they would be able to get some revenge on Lemieux.
Not surprisingly, that late season game had several fights including Draper’s good friend, bruising winger Darren McCarty, who went after Lemieux for what he did.
“It was really bad,” Lemieux said back in 2000. “We were getting faxes from Detroit threatening my life. I had to go in under a fake name. I had a security guy sleeping outside my room in the hotel, following me wherever I went. It got out of control. I wasn’t prepared for that game.”
McCarty Has Kind Words To Say About Lemieux
While they might have had their fare share of memorable fights, McCarty couldn’t say enough good things about Lemieux who in later years got to know off the ice.
Taking to social media, McCarty wrote, “Just heard the news on Claude Lemieux. This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on. As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it ‘If your on the ICE with Claude Lemieux and your turn your back. YOU Are an IDIOT. But off the ICE I’ll turn mine And please. If you are struggling at all please reach out and talk to someone Godspeed my friend.”
Another of the several tributes coming in from around the league was from current Detroit Red Wings General Manager and former on ice opponent of Lemieux in Steve Yzerman.
Yzerman, who played his entire Hall of Fame career with the Red Wings stated, “In his post-playing career as an agent, I got to know Claude on a more personal level and quickly grew to respect his professionalism in our interactions. Even more fondly, I will remember and miss the deeper conversations we had beyond the game.”
Lemieux’s Son Played Eight Seasons in NHL
Lemieux had four children including a son named Brendan Lemieux who was a forward drafted in 2014 31st overall by the Buffalo Sabres. In playing the same physical in your face style as his father, Brendan would go on to play 307 games with the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers and Hurricanes where he ended up with 36 goals along with 74 points and 548 PIM’s.
Shortly after his dad passed away, Brendan Lemieux posted on social media, “I love you dad! My son’s favourite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.”
Claude Lemieux ended up playing 1,215 Career games where he scored 379 goals, 786 points along with 1,777 PIM.
Rest in peace Claude. The hockey world will never forget you.
Main Image: JULIAN H. GONZALEZ, DETROIT FREE PRESS, Detroit Free Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC
