NHL Remembers Stanley Cup Champion Claude Lemieux

The NHL community and sports enthusiasts mourn the sudden passing of Claude Lemieux, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, who died on Thursday at the age of 60. His death was unexpected, as Lemieux had recently participated in carrying the torch at the Montreal Canadiens’ home arena. This event took place during the team’s Game 3 matchup against the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, where Lemieux, clad in his red and blue Canadiens sweater bearing No. 32, carried a flame toward the rink.

As word of Lemieux’s passing spread, tributes quickly appeared, including one from his daughter, Claudia Lemieux. She shared her grief on Instagram Stories after reposting a New Jersey Devils tribute to her father. “No words to express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl,” she expressed in her heartfelt message.

Brendan Lemieux, Claude’s son, also paid tribute to his father by sharing a family photo on social media. “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 followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in hockey, having spent a decade in the NHL and playing for Carolina during the 2023-24 season.

Claude Lemieux’s career was marked by memorable moments, including scoring one of the most iconic goals in Canadiens history during his rookie year in 1986. In Game 7 of the second round, Lemieux’s backhand shot slipped past Hartford’s goaltender Mike Liut, sealing a victory in a dramatic fashion.

Lemieux hailed from Mont-Laurier in western Quebec. Former Canadiens center Doug Gilmour remarked on Lemieux’s unique ability to both annoy opponents and earn respect from teammates. Gilmour highlighted this trait during the 1989 Stanley Cup Final, stating, “He was a pain in the a– to play against, but you wanted him on your team.”