Mr. Speaker, he touched our hearts on Monday night as he carried the torch ahead of the Canadiens game. Then our hearts were broken by the news of his sudden death.
Claude Lemieux, the most formidable playoff performer in history, passed away at just 60 years old. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, including in 1986 with Montreal. Claude Lemieux was the playoff MVP with New Jersey and a symbol of the 1990s rivalry between Colorado and Detroit. He embodied the spirit of Quebec. He was proud, he was a fighter, and he refused to give up. When the chips were down, he could be counted on to deliver. His 80 playoff goals rank him ninth all-time in hockey history.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, I offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Deborah, and his children, Brendan, Claudia, Michael and Christopher.
We are proud of Claude Lemieux in Mont-Laurier, where he grew up. I am also thinking of Mr. and Mrs. Lemieux and Jocelyn. My heart goes out to them.