Niagara Falls Mayor remembers meeting his Canadiens’ idol
Published April 22, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Losing a childhood idol is never an easy thing and for Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, this one hit hard.
A diehard Montreal Canadiens fan from his youth to this day, Diodati took the death of hockey legend Guy Lafleur last night particularly hard.
Lafleur, aka The Flower, passed away last night from lung cancer. He was 70 years old.
“Growing up as a Canadien de Montreal fan, GUY Lafleur was my hockey hero!” posted Diodati this morning. “I forever wanted to wear his #10. The legendary Guy become the face of Canadiens hockey scoring 50 goals in 6 consecutive seasons.”
Diodati not only met his idol Lafleur, so too did his father, Jim Sr, when the mayor was very young.
“My dad met Guy when I was a kid and imagine my excitement having the chance to finally meet and interview Lafleur as an adult after admiring his hockey career for so many seasons,” said Diodati. “What a great guy and a big loss for hockey fans everywhere! My deepest condolences to the Lafleur family and all who admired him. RIP.”
Canadians from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Montreal owner Geoff Molson and countless hockey players have all posted their regrets this morning on social media.
Said Molson in a statement, “All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing. Guy Lafleur had an exceptional career and always remained simple, accessible, and close to the Habs and hockey fans in Quebec, Canada and around the world.”
“Throughout his career, he allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride. He was one of the greatest players in our organization while becoming an extraordinary ambassador for our sport.”
Left, Jim Diodati and his father, Jim Sr., meeting Lafleur. Right, the team announcement.