From Florida, Raymond Bourque took a moment on Saturday to support his friend Guy Lafleur and to remember some of the great moments of his illustrious career.
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In interview with Louis Jean at Club of 10 of the Fondation du CHUM, the former defenseman of the Boston Bruins and the Colorado Avalanche explained why it was important, for him, to support the Guy Lafleur Fund and research on cancer, a disease that has mowed down the life of both parents.
“We are all touched by cancer. Whether it’s a family member, a friend … Guy has always been a generous guy and player and he has supported so many causes himself. Even now, even though he is battling cancer, he is doing it to help others. It says a lot about the kind of man he is. ”
A bit like Lafleur, Bourque also has this ability to rally people to his cause. This is what led him to his greatest success in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001. In Colorado, everyone wanted to win for Bourque before he did. hangs on his skates after 22 years in the NHL. He keeps an often imperishable from the moment Joe Sakic presented him with the trophy after the conquest.
“For me it was a relief. Finally, I won it. It’s so hard to do. It was an incredible feeling, ”recalls Bourque.
“It was really special for me spending 15 months in Colorado and being able to experience what I went through. All the players said we had to win for Ray. ”
A Bruin forever
This great joy, he still wanted to share it with Bruins fans, whom he has never forgotten.
“I brought the cup back to Boston after winning in Colorado. The mayor of Boston wanted to receive me at city hall and there were 10,000 people who showed up that day. There aren’t a lot of players who are traded and received like I was in Boston when I came back. Everyone was happy for me. ”
“And after I brought the cup back to Boston, everyone started winning: the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins,” laughed Bourque.
Looking back, the Quebecer could not be more grateful for the turn of his career, he who is recognized as one of the greatest players of all time in the NHL.
“When I arrived, I wanted to make the team and play 10-12 years in the league. I found myself 22 years later with all these numbers, all the things I had done … Even today, I can’t believe it. I lived a dream. ”
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