Just two days after his agent, NHL legend Claude Lemieux, passed away, Frederik Andersen found it difficult to control his emotions after leading the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup final.
Lemieux, one of the most contentious hockey players in history and a four-time Stanley Cup winner, committed suicide early on Thursday. He was sixty years old.
The hockey community is in mourning following his loss, and President Trump is among those honoring a “true legend” of the sport.
Prior to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, the Hurricanes honored Lemieux.
Lemieux had been the Canadiens’ ceremonial “torch bearer” at the Bell Centre prior to Game 3 just four days prior.Andersen was one of the 60-year-old’s first clients as a player agent. He was “like family,” according to the Hurricanes goalie.
And after his side defeated the Canadiens 6-1 at the Lenovo Center on Friday night, Andersen was surrounded by his teammates before talking about the recent heartbreak.
Late on Friday night, Frederik Andersen battled emotions while paying tribute to Claude Lemieux.
NHL legend Lemieux, shown here with his son and grandchildren, committed suicide on Thursday.
Lemieux, who served as Andersen’s agent, is now aiming for Stanley Cup success as a memorial.
When asked what Lemieux’s message would be after making it to his first Stanley Cup final, the goalie responded, “Just go get it.” “He has the biggest heart, but he’s the ultimate competitor.” He really wants it for this squad and for me.
Andersen went on, “It’s been a challenging couple of days, but the way we showed up for the team and each other today and the last couple of days has been incredible.” I have nothing but praise for this staff and the manner they helped me.
Jordan Staal, the captain of the Hurricanes, stated early on Friday that the team wanted to win for Andersen.
The goalie remarked, “You can’t really say much more—we’re a family.” Being able to support him and make him proud is really special.
“To go out and fight and the entire team supported me too… it’s been so special to be part of.”
“The hockey world lost a great champion yesterday, with the passing of Claude Lemieux,” the arena announcer remarked as the Lenovo Center honored Lemieux with a minute of silence prior to the game.
“He won four Stanley Cups, was a fierce competitor throughout the league, and was regarded by our organization as a father and advisor.”
Warm regards to Frederik Andersen as he prepares for the Stanley Cup Final 🥲 pic.twitter.com/G6H3y852zh
On Friday, the Carolina Hurricanes paid a heartfelt homage to hockey “great” Lemieux.
As a rookie, he won the first of four Stanley Cups with the Canadiens in 1986.
While his son, Brendan, played with the Hurricanes a few years ago, Lemieux was selected by the Canadiens in the 1983 draft and went on to win a Stanley Cup with the team.
“Claude left a lasting legacy on our great game,” the announcer went on. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, friends, and all the players he touched.
The crowd in North Carolina cheered and applauded as a picture of Lemieux emerged on the jumbotron.
Deputies arrived at the site of an apparent suicide at the family’s furniture company in Lake Park, Florida, shortly after three in the morning on Thursday, according to the authorities. According to reports on Friday, Lemieux had hanged himself and was discovered in a warehouse by one of his kids.
The former winger’s wife Deborah and his four children—sons Christopher, 37, Michael, 34, and Brendan, 30—as well as Claudia, 29, survive him.Which of his sons discovered him on Thursday morning is unknown.
