Fans remember, honour late legend Guy Lafleur before Canadiens-Senators game

There was an abundance of Montreal Canadiens jerseys at Canadian Tire Centre Saturday night, and while most had the name of Price, Suzuki and Caufield on them many were thinking about Guy Lafleur.

The Canadiens legend died Friday at the age of 70 and Canadiens fans were mourning the loss of what many called the final member of the greatest French trio.

For many French-Canadian hockey fans, the names Jean Beliveau, Maurice Richard and Guy Lafleur symbolize hockey royalty. While all hold a special place in Canadiens history, most agreed there will never be another player with Lafleur's style.

Neil Khan grew up in Montreal and loved watching Lafleur. His parents had emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1960s and soon became hockey fans.

WATCH l Senators pay tribute to Guy Lafleur before facing Canadiens:

Khan had a Lafleur jersey and has fond memories of his favourite player scoring against Boston in Game 7 of the 1979 semifinal series.

"Lafleur was my guy," said Khan, who now lives in Toronto. "I had heard he was sick, but it's very unfortunate."

Khan picked up an autographed picture of Lafleur, Beliveau and Richard a few years back and says it will take on even greater meaning now.

Mercier lived in Buckingham, Que., just 15 minutes down the road from Lafleur's hometown of Thurso, Que., and would often see him skating at the arena in Thurso when Lafleur was just a teenager.

Mercier's family had become friends with the Lafleur family and over the years they always enjoyed visiting with the hockey superstar.

"It's very sad news," said Mercier. "He was such a generous guy and always willing to help in any way he can."

Mercier recalled how locals would reach out to Lafleur for various fundraisers and he would always find