Guy Lafleur Honoured By Thousands At Bell Centre

The city of Montreal congregated toward the Bell Center on Sunday afternoon to honour the memory of Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur. The Démon Blond was stationed in the Bell Centre in a lying state to allow all those he’s inspired over the years to pay their respects and say goodbye to the influential and caring person that he was.

The entire Montreal Canadiens roster was on-site in order to pay their respects, with many delaying their returns home in order to pay homage to a man that paved the way for them all those years ago. The general public then began to shuffle into the Bell Centre as of noon, as notable names like Quebec Premier François Legault and Montreal mayor Valérie Plante all made appearances to give their condolences to the family of Guy Lafleur.

MONTREAL, QC – MAY 1: Montreal Canadiens fans attend the wake of Former Montreal Canadiens Guy Lafleur at Bell Centre on May 1, 2022 in Montreal, QC, Canada. Lafleur died April 22 at the age of 70. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz / NHLI via Getty Images

Montreal Canadiens Alumni Present In Full Force

The Montreal Canadiens alumni showed up in droves to honour their fallen teammate, with notable names like Bob Gainey, Yvon Cournoyer, and even Chris Chelios making the trip to pay their respects. It was a touching moment to have the great Montreal Canadiens players from the 60s, 70s and 80s all get together to honour the memory of their friend, mentor and idol.

Guy Lafleur had the ability to bring people together, and the same can be said of his teammates. Seeing a long list of Montreal Canadiens legends together to celebrate his memory demonstrates the respect and impact that the Démon Blond had on his peers on and off the ice, a presence that will be sorely missed.

What a crew today at Guy’s wake #knucklesnilan #knucklesbrand #neverbackdown pic.twitter.com/WCfTD7cLGc

— Chris Nilan (@KnucklesNilan30) May 1, 2022

Canadiens Fans Line Up For Hours To Pay Respects

The Canadiens faithful gave Lafleur a ten-minute ovation at the Bell Centre last Sunday before the Canadiens’ tilt with the Boston Bruins, a show of appreciation and love for a figure that inspired millions. Sunday saw a continuation of that celebration, as people from all over the province made their way to Montreal like a big family gathering to honour a fallen legend.

Canadiens fans lined up for hours to pay their respects to the Flower, with some even beginning to line up next to the Bell Centre in the early hours of the morning on Sunday in order to be one of the first to enter the building when the doors opened. It was a celebration in Centennial Square just outside the Bell Centre, as fans huddled near Guy Lafleur’s statue and shared memories of their encounters with No. 10 and how much he inspired them with his play and persona.

Lafleur unified a fanbase with his passion and his love. It was never more apparent than yesterday afternoon, as an endless sea of red flooded the Bell Centre to give back the love and passion that Lafleur had imparted on a nation for the last 50 years.

MONTREAL, QC – MAY 1: Montreal Canadiens fans stand in line outside the Bell Centre for the wake of Former Montreal Canadiens Guy Lafleur on May 1, 2022 in Montreal, QC, Canada. Lafleur died April 22 at the age of 70. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz / NHLI via Getty Images)