NHL Legend Claude Lemieux passed away from suicide at the age of 60 years old. The former star is remembered as a fierce competitor.
On Thursday Morning at approximately 3 a.m. Claude Lemieux was found unresponsive by his adult son. Paramedics arrived on the scene, and we’re unable to save the life of the former NHL All-Star. Claude made a public appearance as recently as Monday at Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes. He lit the torch to start the game that night. Claude Lemieux was just 60 years old.
A Remembrance of the Life and Career of Claude Lemieux
Juniors and Montreal
Born in the province of Quebec, Claude Lemieux was one of the fiercest and hardest-hitting players in the league. He was also a winner. After being drafted in 1983 by the Montreal Canadiens, it would take three years before Lemieux was called up. During that time, Lemeiux proved himself to be a top prospect, winning the QMHL Guy Lafleur MVP award. 1986 marked Lemieux’s first full season of NHL action, and he wasted no time, quickly becoming a core piece in the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1986.
New Jersey
Lemieux would win his next cup in New Jersey. This time with the New Jersey Devils, following a trade with the Canadiens. After falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the 1990 finals, Lemieux stepped up and became a franchise legend. “Pepe,” as he was affectionately referred to, tallied multiple clutch goals for New Jersey as they won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Lemieux, of course, took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Colorado and Later Career.
Perhaps Claude Lemieux is best known for his time with the Colorado Avalanche. As a member of Colorado, Lemieux delivered the famous hit on Kris Draper that sparked perhaps the greatest rivalry in sports history. In his time with the Avalanche, Lemieux won two more Stanley Cups, making him a 4-time champion. After his time in Colorado, Claude would bounce between the Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks before retiring. Claude represented his country on three international stages: the World Juniors, the Canada Cup, and the World Championships.
Story continues below.
More Sports News
A Legend
Few players made their mark on the game in the way Claude Lemieux did. Every game was a new battle in the eyes of Lemieux. After the skates were hung up, the NHL quickly realized a legend had just left the game. A Conn Smythe Winner, 4-time champion, and the sparkplug of the biggest rivalry in hockey history, Lemieux truly left his mark on the history of hockey. A fierce playoff competitor with 80 playoff goals, Claude Lemieux sits at 9th all-time. Geoff Mulson, president of the Canadiens, puts it best
“A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors.”
Our thoughts go out to the family, friends, fans, and former teammates of the great Claude “Pepe” Lemieux.