Hockey fans in and outside of Canada cannot understate the role of the Montreal Canadiens (Habs) in shaping the game of ice hockey. Existing since 1909, the Montreal Canadiens are part of the Original Six and is the only franchise to predate the NHL, the oldest sports franchise in North America. This team not only grabs headlines for its legacy, but also for its iconic players. Guy Damien Lafleur was one of these legendary players to adorn the red, white and blue jersey for the Habs. This superstar has left an indelible mark on the history of ice hockey. This post delves into the journey of Guy Lafleur, celebrating his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens and emphasizing the importance of investing in authentic memorabilia to cherish the legacy of this Hall of Fame player.
Making of an Iconic Player – Guy Lafleur
Born on September 20, 1951 in Thurso, Quebec to Pierette and Rejean Lafleur. Lafleur was enthralled with the sport since he was young. He was gifted a hockey stick on his fifth Christmas, which was the spark to ignite his incredible life in hockey. His Hockey Hall of Fame biography tells how as a child he would sneak into the local arena during early mornings to get and ice time he could find.
Lafleur began his amateur career with the Quebec Remparts, in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He led his team to victory in the 1971 Memorial Cup by scoring 130 regular season goals. His speed on ice and playing style soon earned him the nickname “Le Turbo de Thurso”. His major career break occurred in 1971 when he was selected by the Montreal Canadiens as the first overall pick in the NHL draft.
In the Spotlight: Guy Lafleur’s Career Achievements
Let’s explore the milestones, records, and unforgettable moments from the illustrious career of Guy Lafleur.
● When Lafleur joined the Montreal Canadiens, the franchise was cherishing its Stanley Cup win of the prior season. As the fresh pick with a spectacular performance in junior hockey, hopes were invested in the new player. However, Lafleur posted average stats, scoring 29, 28 and 21 goals in his first three seasons.
● Lafleur developed his individual style, by his fourth season (1974-75) he scored 53 goals. This was the beginning of a new era and a popular player was born!
● His seasons as a scorer lasted from 1974-75 to 1979-80 where he led his team to four Stanley Cup Championships.
● He had one of the most illustrious careers in NHL history spanning 17 seasons with five Stanley Cups (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979).
● Guy was the first player in the history of the NHL to score 100 points and 50 goals in six consecutive seasons.
● In his NHL career, Guy Lafleur amassed 560 goals with 793 assists in 17 seasons. For 14 seasons he played for the Montreal Canadiens, two with Quebec Nordiques, and one with the New York Rangers.
● His playoff stats boast 76 assists and 58 goals scored.
● He was awarded the Art Ross Trophy three times for leading the league with high scores and the Hart Memorial Trophy twice, for being the NHL’s most valuable player.
● Guy Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and has been acknowledged as one of the 100 Greatest NHL players in the history of the sport.
● Guy Lafleur is one of the four Montreal Canadiens whose bronze statue was unveiled in 2008 at the team’s home arena, the Bell Centre. Alongside, Howie Morenz, Jean, and Maurice (Rocket) Richard.In 2022 he was given the prestigious honour of the Order of Canada.
Guy Lafleur Framed Montreal Canadiens Arena Banner
Click Image to Know More!
An Analysis on Guy Lafleur’s Style on the Ice
Guy Lafleur developed his smooth skating style by his fourth season with the Canadiens. SportsNetCanada compared him to Jackson Pollock and wrote “Lafleur was a Jackson Pollock painting on ice, a frenetic innovator who pushed the boundaries of his art beyond what had ever been conceived, a singularly dynamic force that turned an everyday sight as simple as a man on skates with a puck on his stick into a masterpiece — something you had seen before, perhaps, but never quite like that”.
His finesse and creative use of the puck on the ice earned him the nickname "The Flower". However, many of his opponents referred to him as the “Le Demon Blond” meaning the blond demon, referring to his blond locks that remained unimpeded by the helmet, flowing behind him when he skated dream-like on the ice.
His skating speed and style on the rink terrified opponents, making them want to stop him at any cost. For instance, in 1978, Don Cherry, the head coach of the Boston Bruins, instructed his players to raise their sticks against Lafleur to deter him from playing to the best of his ability.
Celebrating Guy Lafleur’s Autograph
As a hockey fan reminiscing of Guy Lafleur, you cannot miss your chance to own authentic
Guy Lafleur signed memorabilia and a part of his legacy. It is quite common to ask how much is a Guy Lafleur autograph worth? This is difficult to acknowledge; owning autographed lithographs, pucks, photos, jerseys, and collectibles is the best way to celebrate the legacy of this iconic player. His impact on the minds of sports lovers is bigger than one can imagine, and his name will forever be etched in hockey history. Do you want to own a piece of Guy Lafleur’s history for yourself? You can contact us at Autograph Authentic. All autographed items are 100% guaranteed and include a serial-numbered Hologram with a matching COA. Detailed COAs and legal commissioned documents are available upon request.