Jacques Lemaire responds to criticism of his treatment of Guy Lafleur and makes a small announcement
PUBLICATION
Jeff Drouin
April 26, 2022 (7:11 PM)
Most hockey fans in Quebec knew that the relationship between Guy Lafleur and Jacques Lemaire had never really been repaired.
While the two played on the same team in the 70's, the relationship between the two men deteriorated when Lemaire became head coach of the Habs in 1984. He wanted to implement a defensive system, a system that the Blond Demon did not adhere to.
Lafleur announced his retirement in November 1984 and unlike Mario Tremblay and Patrick Roy, he and Lemaire never really reconciled.
As reported by Marco Normandin, of Habsolumentfan.com, Journal de Montréal journalist Jonathan Bernier went to meet Jacques Lemaire and he agreed to revisit the story.
"I must admit that it was a difficult time for him. People who followed hockey saw the same thing. I never had anything against Guy. I was there to win games and try to make the players better. I think we did that. We made it to the association finals. The following year, several players had good seasons, like Guy Carbonneau, Mario Tremblay and Pierre Mondou. It's a shame that Guy only played 19 games. I don't care if Guy's opinion of me has changed. That he doesn't like me, I don't care. Mine has never changed. Guy Lafleur has always been and will always be the Guy Lafleur that I have known. I have always felt a friendship for him and a great respect for what he has accomplished."
Moreover, the one who is now a special advisor for the New York Islanders made a small announcement: he confirmed that he would be present for the funeral of his former teammate.
Despite the differences between the two men in the past, it is comforting to see all the respect that Lemaire can show to Lafleur and in life, at times, time may well end up fixing things.
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