Winnipeg Jets honour a hockey legend following Claude Lemieux's death
Photo credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The hockey world lost one of its fiercest competitors Thursday.
Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and 21-season NHL veteran, passed away at the age of 60.
The Winnipeg Jets and True North Sports + Entertainment were among the first organizations to respond publicly, issuing a statement that directed heartfelt condolences to his son Brendan and the entire Lemieux family.
The Jets' connection to the Lemieux name runs deep. Brendan, Claude's son, spent time with the Winnipeg organization earlier in his NHL career before playing for several other franchises.
A legacy that stretched across the league
Claude Lemieux won the Stanley Cup with three different franchises - the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000, and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
His 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy with New Jersey marked him as one of the most clutch playoff performers the game has ever seen.
He was polarizing by design - the kind of player opponents despised and teammates treasured.
The tributes kept coming Thursday
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called Lemieux one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history.
Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic remembered him as a fierce competitor, a loyal friend, and a wonderful family man.
The Canadiens, who gave Lemieux his start, also released a statement calling Thursday a dark day for the entire hockey community.
Claude Lemieux is survived by his wife Deborah and their four children. He was 60 years old.
The Jets said it best - the hockey community is holding the Lemieux family close today.
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