While Joe Sakic was beginning his career with the Nordiques, Guy Lafleur chose to complete his in Quebec. The general manager of the Colorado Avalanche had only good words for the one he called a mentor, a few hours following his death.
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Lafleur joined the Nordiques for the 1989-90 season. It was the second campaign for Sakic, then 20 years old. The two men were also roommates for two years before the “Blonde Demon” finally retired.
“Guy was a legend in every sense of the word and an icon for a generation of hockey fans not only in Quebec, but across Canada,” Sakic wrote in a statement sent to the media. He was one of my favorite players growing up. Later, having the chance to play with him and be his roommate during his last two NHL seasons with the Nordiques is something I will cherish forever.”
“He was an exceptional person, teammate and mentor. He taught me so many lessons when I was a young hockey player and I’m grateful for every moment we spent together during those two years. On behalf of the Colorado Avalanche, I would like to offer our thoughts and condolences to the entire Lafleur family. Rest in peace, Guy.”
No doubt these lessons forged the player that Sakic has become. The latter imitated Lafleur by becoming one of the best players in the history of the circuit. He totaled 625 goals and 1641 points in 1378 games. Sakic is the ninth leading scorer in league history. “Flower” is 29th, with 560 goals and 1353 points in 1126 games.
