The Jacques-Bizard Bridge connecting the Island of Montreal to Île Bizard will now bear the name of Guy Lafleur, one of the Montreal Canadiens’ most dazzling hockey legends.
The City of Montreal announced the tribute on Wednesday, in the presence of Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, as well as Lafleur’s loved ones.
“Lafleur left his mark on our city and on Quebec as a whole thanks to his exceptional, even generational talent. He also touched people with his charisma and kindness,” said Plante.
“As a resident of Île-Bizard for nearly 30 years, Guy Lafleur has been an active and caring citizen of his community.”
Lafleur, nicknamed “The Flower”, scored seemingly with ease at all levels of hockey and grew into the role of one of the game’s flashiest superstars.
He played junior hockey for the Quebec Jr. Aces and Quebec Remparts. He made his debut for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1971-72 season, taking the torch from his hero, Jean Béliveau — who wrapped his career by skating off the ice as a Stanley Cup champion for the 10th time in the spring of 1971.
Lafleur captured five Stanley Cup titles throughout his career, but was a hockey hero in Quebec long before his NHL playing days.
The Guy-Lafleur Bridge was inaugurated in the West Island in Nov. 2024, initially as the Jacques-Bizard Bridge. It will now carry his name as a lasting tribute.