**Montreal Celebrates the Unforgettable Magic of Guy Lafleur**
In the heart of Montreal, beneath the towering rafters of the Bell Centre, a city paused to honor its most cherished hero. Guy Lafleur, the iconic No. 10 of the Montreal Canadiens, had passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the rink. His final tribute was not just a ceremony—it was a testament to a life that had become the very essence of Montreal’s spirit.([ESPN.com][1])
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### The Night the Bell Centre Stood Still
On a somber Sunday evening, the Bell Centre, usually alive with the sounds of pucks and skates, was transformed into a sanctuary of remembrance. As fans filled the arena, the usual advertisements on the boards were replaced with a simple yet profound tribute: Lafleur’s name, his signature, his number 10, and the years 1951–2022. The lights dimmed, and a holographic image of his No. 10 hovered over the center ice logo, casting a glow that seemed to encapsulate his enduring presence. Then, the crowd erupted. For 10 minutes and 10 seconds, chants of “Guy! Guy! Guy!” and “Olé, Olé, Olé!” filled the arena, a spontaneous outpouring of love and gratitude from fans who had grown up idolizing him .([NHL][2], [ESPN.com][1], [Sportsnet.ca][3])
The tribute video that followed showcased highlights of Lafleur’s illustrious career, set to the poignant strains of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” It was a fitting soundtrack for a man who had always marched to the beat of his own drum, both on and off the ice .([CTV News][4], [Daily Faceoff][5])
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### A Gathering of Legends
The ceremony was not just for fans—it was a reunion of hockey royalty. Montreal Canadiens alumni from various eras came together to pay their respects. Figures like Bob Gainey, Yvon Cournoyer, and Chris Chelios stood side by side, united in their admiration for Lafleur, who had been more than a teammate; he had been a mentor, a friend, and a symbol of the Canadiens’ storied legacy .([Montreal Hockey Now][6])
Among the crowd were dignitaries such as Quebec Premier François Legault and Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, both of whom spoke movingly about Lafleur’s impact. Legault described him as “spectacular, like an artist,” while Plante emphasized how Lafleur had made Quebecers proud with his authenticity, generosity, and passion .([NHL][7], [Global News][8])
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### The Heartbeat of Montreal
For many, Lafleur was more than a hockey player; he was a cultural icon. His blazing speed, his powerful slapshot, and his charismatic presence on the ice made him a hero to generations of fans. But it was his character off the ice that endeared him to the city. He was approachable, genuine, and always willing to engage with those who admired him. His legacy was not just in the records he set or the championships he won, but in the way he embodied the values of the Canadiens and the city itself.
As fans gathered outside the Bell Centre, many wearing Lafleur’s jersey and holding flowers, it was clear that his influence had spanned beyond the rink. Younger generations, who had never seen him play, stood in awe of the man who had become synonymous with excellence and pride in Montreal .([Global News][8], [Montreal Hockey Now][9])
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### A Legacy Etched in Time
Guy Lafleur’s passing marked the end of an era, but his spirit endures. The Bell Centre, where his No. 10 jersey hangs proudly in the rafters, will forever echo with the memories of his brilliance. The chants of “Guy! Guy! Guy!” will continue to resonate, a reminder of a man who gave everything to his team and his city. And as long as the Montreal Canadiens play, Guy Lafleur’s legacy will remain an indelible part of their story.([Global News][8], [NHL][7], [Sportsnet.ca][3])
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In the words of the fans who filled the Bell Centre that night, “Forever the Flow.”
[1]: “Montreal Canadiens honors Guy Lafleur with chants, tribute before game – ESPN”
[2]: “Lafleur attained legendary status for …”
[3]: “Lafleur tribute teaches young Canadiens the weight of club’s legacy – Sportsnet.ca”
[4]: “Guy Lafleur: Former teammates remember Habs great | CTV News”
[5]: “Montreal Canadiens hold ceremony for Guy Lafleur”
[6]: “Guy Lafleur Honoured By Thousands At Bell Centre”
[7]: “Lafleur lies in state at Bell Centre, fans mourn Canadiens legend | NHL.com”
[8]: “In photos: Hockey fans honour Montreal Canadiens great Guy Lafleur | Globalnews.ca”
[9]: “Young Fans, Players Exp
erience True Prestige Of Guy Lafleur, Canadiens”
