Guy Lafleur to lie in state at Montreal Bell Centre this Sunday

Quebecers will get their chance to say goodbye to hockey legend Guy Lafleur as of today.

The first of two public visitations will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the second on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A national funeral will also be held on Tuesday. 

Lafleur, who was 70 years old, passed away just over a week after losing his battle with lung carcinoma.

In the 1970s, he led the Canadiens in four consecutive Stanley Cup titles and is still the Habs’ all-time points leader. He was plagued by health problems, including the recurrence in 2020 of lung cancer.

In a statement, Montreal Canadiens stated that “out of respect for Guy, who has supported Guy over many years, the Lafleur Family has agreed to share its grief with the community.” “All activities will reflect the image and spirit of the late hockey legend, being humble and accessible,” said the family.

Visitors are asked to use the arena’s main entrance at 1909 des Canadiens-de-Montreal Ave.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault is also expected to visit the Bell Centre as it opens its doors at noon on Sunday.

“This national funeral in homage to the memory of Guy Lafleur is a testament to all the admiration and love that Quebecers have for him. He has left his mark on our history and our national culture forever,” the premier saidIn a statement last Wednesday, he announced plans for a national funeral. 

The province states that national funerals are reserved only for people who have “made an impact on political lives, as decided by government.” The announcement of a national funeral for Lafleur follows similar honours for fellow Canadiens icons, Maurice Richard and Jean Béliveau, in 2000 and 2014 respectively.

The national funeral for Lafleur will be held on Tuesday at the Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral in downtown Montreal, beginning at 11 a.m.