Guy Lafleur’s family invites fans to event celebrating his NHL legacy
Posted April 11, 2025 4:30 pm.
Last Updated April 11, 2025 4:57 pm.
An NHL legend who inspired generations.
Guy Lafleur spent 14 seasons in the “bleu, blanc et rouge” of the Montreal Canadiens from 1971 to 1985, leading them to five Stanley Cup championships.
Now, as we approach the third anniversary of the Hockey Hall of Famer’s death, his family is inviting the public to a special event celebrating his life and legacy.
On Saturday in his hometown of Thurso, about 150 kilometers west of Montreal, fans will have a rare opportunity to view treasures from the Lafleur family collection, which will be offered in a Classic Auctions sale.
“We’re going to present some very important items from Guy’s life that nobody’s ever seen before,” said Marc Juteau, founder of Classic Auctions. “So it’s a real tribute to him and his family.”
Speaking of family – Corey Snyder has been in the Lafleur family for almost 20 years.
As the husband of Guy’s niece, he says the hockey legend was very humble while his presence was larger than life.
“Being born in 1981, unfortunately, I’d missed most of his great hockey years,” said Snyder. “So I got to know Guy more on the personal side.”
“Guy was very generous,” said Snyder. “I was quite honored to obtain any items that Guy would love to pass down to me.”
Fans are invited to meet the Lafleur family on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salle Communautaire de Thurso –- an opportunity to discover aspects of Lafleur’s life that not too many were aware of.
“He liked to write poems,” explained Juteau while showing some of Lafleur’s pieces of work. “And he liked to end poems with a flower.”
Fans are also encouraged to bring their own personal memorabilia and souvenirs.
“We’re also going to be on place evaluating memorabilia that people want to bring, sports memorabilia,” said Juteau. “And taking items on consignment that people wish to sell.”
“[Guy] had a phrase that he used to say a lot and it was, ‘play every game as it was your last’,” said Snyder. “And Guy lived his days like it was his last.”
“And his legendary status continues and only because of the fans,” he added. “And we can’t thank you enough for that.”
Salle Communautaire de Thurso
125 rue Bourget, Thurso, Quebec
