The tragic death of NHL legend turned agent Claude Lemieux has left the entire hockey world in shock. Now, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen has released a heartbreaking statement about his agent, mentor – and friend.
“As phenomenal as his hockey career was, he was an even better human being,” Andersen says.
Claude Lemieux became known in the NHL as one of the best playoff players ever during the 1980s. In his debut season, he helped the Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup. How? By scoring 10 goals in 20 playoff games.
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Claude Lemieux career stats
Claude Lemieux went on to win three more Stanley Cups. Two with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000, and one with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. Lemieux’s 80 playoff goals still rank ninth in NHL history. Behind Hall of Famers like Maurice Richard, Wayne Gretzky, and Mike Bossy. Although he was known as a very hard-nosed player on the ice, Claude Lemieux was widely loved for being a warm and kind person off the ice. After hanging up his skates in 2009, Lemieux became a player agent.
One of his very first signings was Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen. Andersen is currently preparing to play in a Stanley Cup Final. But still took the time to honor his agent, mentor—and close personal friend.
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Frederik Andersen’s statement
“Claude made an unimaginable impact on me during the more than 15 years that he was a part of my life. I almost feel sorry for people who didn’t have an opportunity to get to know him beyond his achievements and impact on the ice. As phenomenal as his hockey career was, he was an even better human being. From day one, he made me feel like I was part of his family—treating me with care, compassion, loyalty, and love as if I was his own son. He had a similar effect on members of my own family, leaving a lasting impression on every life that he touched.
I cannot imagine the pain Claude was in, and I pray that he is in a better place now. My thoughts are with Deborah, Brendan, Claudia, and the entire Lemieux family as we grieve together. Claude’s spirit will remain in my heart always,” Andersen says in his statement.
Claude Lemieux was 60 years old.
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