I once hired Guy for a signing session in the boardroom of one of my corporate clients. We prepared trays of pucks for him to sign for two hours. Employees lined up for hours with all kinds of things for him to sign. He was a gracious gentleman and humbly shared many stories. He refused to leave until everyone that had been waiting received his autograph which far exceeded the time he was hired. Hockey and life lost a true legend. R.I.P. Guy Lafleur 🙏
When I was a youngster a bunch of my buddies and me went to get autographs at the hotel the Habs were due to arrive at next to the now gone Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. We we're decked out in our Canadians jerseys, hats, etc. Their flight was delayed. Yet we waited and waited. Finally at some early morning hour, like two or three in the morning, here come the Canadians into the lobby. Bob Gainey walks over to us and says, "Fellas, it's been a long day. Give us about twenty minutes". Sure enough, in twenty minutes every player comes down and signs everything we had. Class act those guys. Guy Lafleur signed my Lafleur jersey. He was super cool. God Bless him. Rest in peace Mr. Lafleur.
First time I saw him when I just immigrated in 1977 on Saturday hockey night in Canada, he scored with a break away against LA Kings Rogatien Vachon. I fell in love with Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens and I became a fan right away. Montreal Canadiens fans called him ‘ Le Demon Blond ‘ but really he was an Angel on the ice, magnificent player, good husband, good father and very charismatic to his fans. Bravo! Guy lafleur RIP
A few years ago, Lafleur and some friends were on vacation in south America, maybe Argentina. As it happened, they were mugged at gunpoint, and roughed up a bit. Later, when interviewed about it, Lafleur shrugged it off and said it reminded him of nights at the Boston Gardens.
Agreed. If I had to sum it up differently and sociologically, I'd say Richard represented Québec's awareness and will to fight; Béliveau, its desire to persevere; and Guy Lafleur, its pure affirmation. All three not only made Québécois dream but win. In Québec's history, it was unusually refreshing. Dryden is right when he says Lafleur is a cultural byproduct of Québécois who had been shaping modern Québec since the Quiet Revolution. They've created a narrative, a beautiful one for that matter.
I'm a western New Yorker and grew up as a Canadiens fan . Those were the best times . My idols were Ken Dryden and Guy Lafleur. When you watch them play it was exhilarating. I'm so sad to hear of Guy's passing he was such amazing player. Rest in peace Guy.
You preferred a fuller French Connection. I loved Guy Lafleur. I don't think there has ever been a person whom I've never met that I admired so much. Certainly as a kid at least.
guy lafleur and mike bossy---possibly, arguably, the 2 best players of their era, both died this week. these guys defined hockey when i was growing up.
truly wonderful, Thankyou Ken ... yes, the 70's for Canadiens & fans ... so young I am barely able to recall those memories but they are incredibly vivid & forever indelible ... yes the Canadiens influence in hockey & on all the sporting world was/is difficult to define ... my late Uncle said "they were the best - any sport, any city, any country, any planet" ... Ken please do not forget you were an inherent part of those Fabulous Habitant 70's ... eternal Blessings Guy, I can say you were well beyond brilliant but you were well beyond that ... Merci # 10 !!!
Being a chain smoking Roman Catholic (the majority of them don’t accept Jesus Christ as Saviour) in the province of Quebec, Guy LaFleur accepted the title “Le Demon Blond” which meant Guy ended in Hell. No demons will get to Heaven.
@landisgrant5780 I'm not sure what your point is. I'm not French Canadian, not even Canadian. I grew up in NY State on the border of Quebec and Vermont and am Catholic. I didn't know Guy Lafleur except for his reputation as a hockey player and man. I believe it's in God's hands to decide where Guy went. All I can say is he was human like the rest of us and I believe he used his life to make others happy. God bless Quebec, God bless the Canadiens and God bless Guy Lafleur.
Could you pick a better idol than Ken Dryden, amazingly spoken and thoughtful....rest in peace Guy...always remember " premiere etoile GUY LAFLEUR ! " my old man hated the Habs but loved Guy.
The thing about Ken Dryden is that he was always considered the intellectual of Hockey. He was smart, and sensitive and had that way of sizing up people and situations. When he gives praises to Lafleur, it means something. That's a smart man giving it.
Mr. Dryden is the most interesting guy related to hockey to listen. His ability to analyse and describe things so perfectly are unmatched. He’s a truly fascinating man
I’m from Toronto and was at the forum on New Years Eve to see the Habs play the Red Army and LaFleur at full speed picked up a pass from a teammate and I’d never experienced anything like it ,the excitement, the anticipation it was 30,000 people gasping inhaling at the same time. Been a sports fan my whole life and never came close to that exciting moment in my life.
The day Lafleur passed away, a bit of my childhood died as well. He was my favourite player growing up, and I admired over the years how well he treated the fans and the media despite overwhelming demands on his time and privacy.
I was in my mid 20s, attending a company function in a resort north of Montreal. Guy was also there for a charity golf tournament. It was shortly after his first retirement. I was in the resort bar with my colleagues when one of them tells me Guy was having beers with some other folks at a table near by. The bar was closing but our company still had an open bar so I approached Guy to tell him I was a fan and to offer his table a beer. He stood up, shook my hand and thanked me. I was surprised that he bothered to stand up for me but also at how big his hand was and I've since heard that it often surprises people who shake his hand. The joy that Guy brought into my life as a teenager is impossible to adequately convey. Even the opposition and their fans respected him. That's because he played clean and didn't show up the opposing team when he scored. And I just want to point out that Guy was one of the best if not the best back checkers of any forward in the NHL in the 70s.
As a young Bruins fan in the early 70’s, my heart would sink as I watched Mr. Lafleur accelerate up the rink. He embodied the speed and skill of those great Canadiens’ teams and earned a place in the pantheon of hockey’s greatest, beautifully told by Mr Dryden.
Ken Dryden the absolute best Canadian goalie ever!He broke my heart .Beating my Bruins over & over again.THE HAIR! BUSTING DOWN THE WING.TRULY POETRY IN MOTION.
As a little kid who would hang outside gate 3 1/2 with my dad at the Madhouse on Madison to meet Mr.Dryden I would like to thank him. He was always gracious with his time and very patient with all of my questions & requests. I would like to tell him that I never made it to the NHL but did become successful and lead a Blessed life. Thank you Ken for being a role model.
En tant que petit enfant qui traînait à l'extérieur de la porte 3 1/2 avec mon père au Madhouse de Madison pour rencontrer M. Dryden, je voudrais le remercier. Il a toujours été aimable avec son temps et très patient avec toutes mes questions et demandes. J'aimerais lui dire que je n'ai jamais atteint la LNH, mais que j'ai réussi et que j'ai mené une vie bénie. Merci Ken d'être un modèle.
Remember seeing a sports broadcast replay in the early 80s of Lafleur taking the puck from behind his net and deking out the entire team to score the goal. Been trying to find that broadcast ever since, but it was unbelievable
Growing up in Montreal in the 70's I watched the greatest hockey of my life. Every time Guy took the puck there was a rising anticipation: in a few split seconds something beautiful and awe inspiring would occur. Thank-you Ken Dryden for bringing back those memories. RIP Buy Lafleur.
Les propos de Ken Dryden sont toujours francs et réfléchis. Ceux-ci démontrent bien la compréhension qu'il a de la réaction du Québec face à la perte de son dernier héros. Et en passant, merci Ti-Guy, et merci pour tout.
I was lucky and privileged enough to have seen Guy Lafleur play live several times during his prime. I was a total Montreal Canadiens fan back in those days of that legendary dynasty of which the Flower was the main star. RIP to Guy Lafleur, one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Bs fan here from the 70s and 80s- Gillies, Bossy, the Flower- so sad to see any player from that great era go so soon and suddenly, such a colorful and glorious time for the NHL. Rest in peace Guy, one of the all time legends.
I watched Guy as a young fella on TV and I attended a game when he played for the Rangers. As a still fairly young man, I didn’t understand significant moments well, but, I remember so clearly thinking, this is special to see The Flower live. RIP to a hometown hero and NHL legend.
I was so fortunate to see him play in the old Aud in Buffalo when I was a kid. He was one of the few things my parents agreed on - dad respected his abilities, mom had the hots for him!
I am deeply sadden by the passing of the Flower. He was and still is my favorite player. I just have to smile and remember what a life he lived. Thanks Guy for the lasting memories.
I remember as a kid playing street hockey in a montreal alley , all my teamates and opponents were Guy Lafleur , to own a Lafleur habs shirt was the apotheosis , Guy and Ken Dryden were my most cherished hockey cards and certainly my idols. Me and my dad were listening to habs games on the radio , sometimes very late , when they were playing on the west coast and if they were to lose a game we just couldn't deal with it , luckyly, in 1978, habs lost 8 games. Unforgettable moments, thanks to Guy for those great exiting moments and my best regards to Ken Dryden, once again he nails it. Great models for our society.
@Pierre Blais Actually....that was the 1976-77 season when the best team EVER Montreal Canadiens only lost 8 games...only one (1) at the Forum to amass a record 132 points In 1977-78 they only lost ...gasp...10 games for 129 points No team in any sport will EVER match that record of only 8 losses in a full season FORMIDABLE
I will remember the chant of the fans ,GUY GUY GUY GUY , as it says it all , an accomplished athlete , long ago a hero and now forever a legend.RIP GUY
Ken, you are the most well-spoken and eloquent hockey player that has ever existed. Your words brought back so many emotions of my teenage years as a Habs fan. With Le Glorieux's best players, including you, Guy, Steve Shutt, Yvan Cournoyer, Jacques Lemaire, Larry Robinson, ... All legends, and humble heroes. You and Guy have a lot in common: humility, grace, style, and an ability to detract attention away from you, while remaining a pillar of strength and inspiration to all those around you. You both have the eternal respect of all Habs fans.
As an immigrant kid with a brother who was fanatical about the Canadiens, I have to say that Guy was one of those legends that I only got to see just as the storied 70s run was about to end. He was the Canadiens to me and I never shifted loyalties through the difficult 80s as a kid. He was the hero we needed and wanted. Thank you, Mr. Lafleur. And thank you, Mr. Dryden (my fellow Hamiltonian) for the memories!
Well said. I had a buddy that grew up in Ithaca. Didn't know much about hockey but he remembered watching Dryden at Cornell. He's remembered there as a hero.
must add a story of Lafleur I have told my friends. the first practice i got into the forum and stood aside Beliveau, who had just retired. I asked him what he thought of Lafleur .(Lafleur was to be his successor ), as he skated in a circle with the other players on the team. Beliveau said and I quote" he has the pedigree, but does he have the heart" A few years later, he sure showed it.
@@velvetplatz1024 Well you know if you ask Devils fans they will tell you Marty we won't agree but that's what they will say if you ask the guy on late night Saturday nights I think he thinks Roy some of his viewers are also into Roy. we would say Dryden but not everybody will agree with us.
@@marksantucci4230 Oh don't get me wrong, I love Roy as well, but NO other goalie or player for that matter, has ever won the Calder Trophy the year AFTER winning the Conn Smythe, only #DRYDEN.
I was just a kid in the 70's growing up in a suburb of Montreal. Winning the cup was an annual event and as a kid we got to meet our heroes who visited parks across the city in the summers after their cup wins, parading the cup around and talking to kids even playing street hockey with us. Guy Lafleur was a god in Montreal in those days. These were amazing times I will never forget. Beyond the cup feeling so distant now, players seem different today - lots of great players today but they feel so far away from the fans. Not a knock to their character because hockey players are the greatest but just different times.
Ken Dryden is so eloquent and well-spoken, and a total gentleman in person as well. Even those of us who were not Canadiens supporters still had the utmost respect for them. I can't think of a team - in any sport - who had so many great players all at once. RIP, Guy, you really were a legend.
LaFleur bridged that gap between Orr and Gretzky. So glad I had the good fortune of seeing him develop into the star he became. So sad to see his passing only days after another great, Mike Bossy. Two dynamic scorers and class acts.
A wonderful bond with history and talent and finding a way to win and win the hearts of Canada and Quebec. He had flair and style and brilliance and an endearing sense of humbleness.
imagine this : if it took Ken Dryden decades to understand the reasons why the Rocket meant so much for Quebec, how can anyone else understand us without even living in Quebec? it's quite particuliar. before the 1940s, there were no french canadians of importance in society and quebecers were doomed to work for english boss who don't pay them much and don't recongnise quebecers as equals. The Rocket changed that perception. it opened the door for quebecers to believe in themselves, that they can do great things too themselves. Nowdays there are no big quebecer icon with the habs. But it's just that hockey isn't the main stage for greatness anymore. Quebecers have success in many other sports, science, finance, movie making, ect. that didn't exist before the Rocket. That's the legacy of the Rocket : that quebecers can do great things in life.
Do you recognize anyone else as equals? The natives? The anglos, who are not all rich or powerful, as you imagine? Mr. Lafleur respected his teammates regardless of pedigree, so perhaps this is not the place for your racial resentments.
Kiafa, my grandparents were told countless times to "speak white" when SOME Montréal anglophones heard them speak french. Where's the racial resentment in Chris's response?
@@paulvezina8442 Were your grandparents ever forbidden by law (that is, by state violence) to use their language? Do you think francophones never told others to "speak white"? Ask the natives.
He was the best for a time from 1975 to 1980. He was the first to have 5 consecutive 50+ goal seasons ever. Sure others later were able to do the same or even better but that takes nothing away from the flower's greatness during his prime.
@@fredmar6436 I want to say yes but some will say no I guess it depends on who you talk to. In Montreal they like me will say yes in Pittsburgh they will say no other area's it depends on who you talk to.
Wow what a statement from a legend to another legend 👏. I pass my youth watching the Canadiens every Saturday night . My two favorite players where of course Guy Lafleur and yes Ken Dryden . What a class act this man his. I think Ken Dryden also carried a part of burden on his shoulders and thanks to him for a few Stanley Cups . And just like he just said about Lafleur he just faced it . His demeanor portrayed calm and class and what a goaler he was . I will always remember all the family jumping in the living room everytime they won a game , a championship or a Stanley Cup . When Ken Dryden saved a game and Guy Lafleur came to score to win it ! What an Era it was . RIP Guy Lafleur and wish Mr. Ken Dryden Health Longevity and Prosperity .
Great insights Ken. You are one of my childhood hero's. Glad to see you are doing well. . We met many years ago at your book reading for your book "The Game" . Meeting you was a very special memory for me and my dad who has since passed. Thanks for passing the message along to Larry Robinson to say hi.. God bless you.
They don't make them like Guy anymore. He floated on the the ice and his entire game was so effortless. What an amazing hockey player. RIP Guy. You made me like hockey.
Wonderful interview, and great observations and insights by Dryden, one of the Canadiens and hockey's greatest. The thing that stands out is the humility and the humanity of these individuals. Behind their public persona were individuals who both understood and appreciated their gifts and responsibility to the sport and to the public. Their greatness as people first brought them to the summit in their sport.
Ken Dryden my boyhood sports idol. I played goal in minor hockey and dreamed of being the next Ken Dryden. Ken speaks so well and his tribute to Numero dix, Number 10 Guy Lafleur was spot on. As a kid and a Habs fan, through the 70's was an incredible era and so much fun to be a fan of. 🥰 the Habs.
I am a lifelong Blackhawk fan , but I always respected greatness . Guy Lefleur fills those skates along with Mike Bossy and this man Ken Dryden . A great loss to Canada , hockey and fans . My prayers to his family and friends .
Very well spoken of Legend Guy Lafleur,from Legend Ken Dryden.We thank you Guy Lafleur,for the great memories you brought to the game of hockey and the Montreal Canadians and fans around the world. Condolences goes out to the Lafleur family🙏 God Bless and Rest in Peace Brother 🙏
I'll always have Guy in my mind ( despite being a Bruin fan to the core ). He died on Friday; my Dad, Arnold MacEachern, passed away Saturday afternoon.
Dryden, in his eloquent way really captures the essence of who Guy Lafleur was. Despite being very different from his Canadiens teammates, Dryden actually fit in and got along with them very well. The Habs of the '70s were a team, no big heads, and Lafleur was humble superstar, and his teammates knew that. They adored him.
I once hired Guy for a signing session in the boardroom of one of my corporate clients. We prepared trays of pucks for him to sign for two hours. Employees lined up for hours with all kinds of things for him to sign. He was a gracious gentleman and humbly shared many stories. He refused to leave until everyone that had been waiting received his autograph which far exceeded the time he was hired. Hockey and life lost a true legend. R.I.P. Guy Lafleur 🙏
Lafleur and Dryden, two of my childhood idols.
RIP Guy.
Mine too! #10 and #29!
Me 2. First Ken, then Guy.
Same!
One legend honors another with a beautiful, eloquent and heartfelt tribute.
"beyond brilliant" adequate for Guy & Ken !!!
When I was a youngster a bunch of my buddies and me went to get autographs at the hotel the Habs were due to arrive at next to the now gone Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. We we're decked out in our Canadians jerseys, hats, etc. Their flight was delayed. Yet we waited and waited. Finally at some early morning hour, like two or three in the morning, here come the Canadians into the lobby. Bob Gainey walks over to us and says, "Fellas, it's been a long day. Give us about twenty minutes". Sure enough, in twenty minutes every player comes down and signs everything we had. Class act those guys. Guy Lafleur signed my Lafleur jersey. He was super cool. God Bless him. Rest in peace Mr. Lafleur.
Thanks for sharing that. Essentially...that was Guy. He always found time for fans.
Amazing
Fantastic story . And very emotional to read on this day . Thanks so much !
Nice story... the Igloo was a cool arena...
that's why they were the best
First time I saw him when I just immigrated in 1977 on Saturday hockey night in Canada, he scored with a break away against LA Kings Rogatien Vachon. I fell in love with Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens and I became a fan right away. Montreal Canadiens fans called him ‘ Le Demon Blond ‘ but really he was an Angel on the ice, magnificent player, good husband, good father and very charismatic to his fans. Bravo! Guy lafleur RIP
As a Bruins fan, I have the greatest respect for Mr. Guy Lafleur. RIP flower 🌸
Thank you for stopping by.
A few years ago, Lafleur and some friends were on vacation in south America, maybe Argentina. As it happened, they were mugged at gunpoint, and roughed up a bit. Later, when interviewed about it, Lafleur shrugged it off and said it reminded him of nights at the Boston Gardens.
Same here...RIP Guy Lafleur...nice tribute from Mr. Dryden, who stopped the Bruins from the ‘71 Cup.
And he broke your heart many of times. Shows you how great he was.
@@waynejohanson1083 Wayne we all know he was great.
Dryden explains Maurice Richard's importance to French Canadians perfectly...he gets it. Merci!
Totallement d"accord avec vous, thanks.
Agreed. If I had to sum it up differently and sociologically, I'd say Richard represented Québec's awareness and will to fight; Béliveau, its desire to persevere; and Guy Lafleur, its pure affirmation. All three not only made Québécois dream but win. In Québec's history, it was unusually refreshing. Dryden is right when he says Lafleur is a cultural byproduct of Québécois who had been shaping modern Québec since the Quiet Revolution. They've created a narrative, a beautiful one for that matter.
@@eaa4773 A very eloquent , well spoken summation Etienne ! Thank you .
at that time the habs was a religion for us rip Guy
@@eaa4773 wow.
Such a thoughtful brilliant man. That is Ken Dryden. RIP Mr. Lafleur, you were the best and what a wonderful soul.
GUY GUY GUY !
I'm a western New Yorker and grew up as a Canadiens fan . Those were the best times . My idols were Ken Dryden and Guy Lafleur. When you watch them play it was exhilarating. I'm so sad to hear of Guy's passing he was such amazing player. Rest in peace Guy.
You preferred a fuller French Connection. I loved Guy Lafleur. I don't think there has ever been a person whom I've never met that I admired so much. Certainly as a kid at least.
👍🇨🇦
I loved watching hockey in the 70s best ever
Ken is and was one of the smartest men in and outside of hockey. Great interview about his fellow teammate Guy Lafleur aka the flower ❤
The 70s were my era and the Habs will always be my team . RIP Mr Lafleur!!!!
GUY GUY GUY !
guy lafleur and mike bossy---possibly, arguably, the 2 best players of their era,
both died this week. these guys defined hockey when i was growing up.
Best right wings of their eras.
And Bobby Orr
@@jacklawer6389 Except by the time those two peaked Orr was just a shadow of himself.
@@jacklawer6389 Bobby Orr played defense even though it seem like he scored a lot of goals.
Didn't know Mike Bossy died
Great times in the 70's to be a Montreal fan....Guy was a big part of the best team to ever play the game.
Greatest team I ever saw play.
truly wonderful, Thankyou Ken ... yes, the 70's for Canadiens & fans ... so young I am barely able to recall those memories but they are incredibly vivid & forever indelible ... yes the Canadiens influence in hockey & on all the sporting world was/is difficult to define ... my late Uncle said "they were the best - any sport, any city, any country, any planet" ... Ken please do not forget you were an inherent part of those Fabulous Habitant 70's ... eternal Blessings Guy, I can say you were well beyond brilliant but you were well beyond that ... Merci # 10 !!!
No question such a great team. Best ever - certainly until the Oilers hit their stride. The speed of both teams was fantastic to behold.
I'm a Maple Leaf's fan from birth, but I want to say how much I respected Guy Lafleur, may God rest his soul.
So eloquently spoken for such a class act ...thank you Ken.... Rest In Peace Guy
Being a chain smoking Roman Catholic (the majority of them don’t accept Jesus Christ as Saviour) in the province of Quebec, Guy LaFleur accepted the title “Le Demon Blond” which meant Guy ended in Hell. No demons will get to Heaven.
@@Landis_Grant go in therapy NOW , you need help !
@@Landis_Grant you need psyciatrical help NOW !\
@landisgrant5780 I'm not sure what your point is. I'm not French Canadian, not even Canadian. I grew up in NY State on the border of Quebec and Vermont and am Catholic.
I didn't know Guy Lafleur except for his reputation as a hockey player and man. I believe it's in God's hands to decide where Guy went. All I can say is he was human like the rest of us and I believe he used his life to make others happy.
God bless Quebec, God bless the Canadiens and God bless Guy Lafleur.
Could you pick a better idol than Ken Dryden, amazingly spoken and thoughtful....rest in peace Guy...always remember " premiere etoile GUY LAFLEUR ! " my old man hated the Habs but loved Guy.
Humble Pie Ken Dryden. My First Hockey Hero! ;)
@@harruar7214 My favorite Galie.
The best summary of Montreal Canadiens 70s ever heard.... thank you Ken, Sois en paix Guy🙏
The thing about Ken Dryden is that he was always considered the intellectual of Hockey. He was smart, and sensitive and had that way of sizing up people and situations. When he gives praises to Lafleur, it means something. That's a smart man giving it.
At least it was my father's opinion. He was an amazing goalie. First class. But a smart and learned man.
Loved hearing from Ken Dryden. Very articulate guy.
Well said Mr. Dryden with class & dignity, just like Guy led his life.
Dryden always has the right words when he talks about hockey.
Mr. Dryden is the most interesting guy related to hockey to listen. His ability to analyse and describe things so perfectly are unmatched. He’s a truly fascinating man
@@normandaubry He was a lawyer.
@@parkerbohnn like they said the right words and the most interesting guy releated to Hockey.
Mr Dryden, I salute you.. just wow! What an eloquent statement. Bravo
I think Lafleur was the most graceful player ever! A pure joy to watch!
Your comment has to be the best ever. So true.
I’m from Toronto and was at the forum on New Years Eve to see the Habs play the Red Army and LaFleur at full speed picked up a pass from a teammate and I’d never experienced anything like it ,the excitement, the anticipation it was 30,000 people gasping inhaling at the same time. Been a sports fan my whole life and never came close to that exciting moment in my life.
Rest in peace. Can't believe so many legends are dying.
The cups, the banners, the photos, the videos, the stories.
like 3 in 3 months Clarke , Mike and Guy?
@@the6ig6adwolf it’s happening in such a short time
@@the6ig6adwolf Ok...
The day Lafleur passed away, a bit of my childhood died as well. He was my favourite player growing up, and I admired over the years how well he treated the fans and the media despite overwhelming demands on his time and privacy.
I was in my mid 20s, attending a company function in a resort north of Montreal. Guy was also there for a charity golf tournament. It was shortly after his first retirement. I was in the resort bar with my colleagues when one of them tells me Guy was having beers with some other folks at a table near by. The bar was closing but our company still had an open bar so I approached Guy to tell him I was a fan and to offer his table a beer. He stood up, shook my hand and thanked me. I was surprised that he bothered to stand up for me but also at how big his hand was and I've since heard that it often surprises people who shake his hand. The joy that Guy brought into my life as a teenager is impossible to adequately convey. Even the opposition and their fans respected him. That's because he played clean and didn't show up the opposing team when he scored. And I just want to point out that Guy was one of the best if not the best back checkers of any forward in the NHL in the 70s.
Thank you M.Dryden, legendary no.29 of my youth growing up in Montreal. You were awesome too on the ice.
Remember when Dryden was bored the way he would lean on his goalie stick lol
@@jacklawer6389 I sure do ! With the action always on the other end of the ice he found a way to "adapt". lol
As a young Bruins fan in the early 70’s, my heart would sink as I watched Mr. Lafleur accelerate up the rink. He embodied the speed and skill of those great Canadiens’ teams and earned a place in the pantheon of hockey’s greatest, beautifully told by Mr Dryden.
How I love Guy Lafleur. Ken Dryden is such an eloquent speaker. Such a beautiful tribute. I learned so much about Guy the man. Thank you Ken Dryden.
Ken Dryden the absolute best Canadian goalie ever!He broke my heart .Beating my Bruins over & over again.THE HAIR! BUSTING DOWN THE WING.TRULY POETRY IN MOTION.
Ken Dryden does a great job at describing how it was in Montreal. He is a legend himself. Thanks Ken Dryden
Always introspective and well spoken, quintessential Ken Dryden.
The special place of these men in so many lives is beyond words ...
As a little kid who would hang outside gate 3 1/2 with my dad at the Madhouse on Madison to meet Mr.Dryden I would like to thank him. He was always gracious with his time and very patient with all of my questions & requests. I would like to tell him that I never made it to the NHL but did become successful and lead a Blessed life. Thank you Ken for being a role model.
En tant que petit enfant qui traînait à l'extérieur de la porte 3 1/2 avec mon père au Madhouse de Madison pour rencontrer M. Dryden, je voudrais le remercier. Il a toujours été aimable avec son temps et très patient avec toutes mes questions et demandes. J'aimerais lui dire que je n'ai jamais atteint la LNH, mais que j'ai réussi et que j'ai mené une vie bénie. Merci Ken d'être un modèle.
Rip to a legend
Big love from a french Québecquer :) you sir were my favorite to watch :)
Ken dryden. A great man describing another great man.
Just His Shot was Something 'll always Remember
Love Ken Dryden too. So eloquent
I grew up very close to my grandfather. Every Saturday night we would watch the Canadiens and Guy was the epitome of excellence. RIP "Flower"
Nice to hear Dryden and his insight into the personality and character of Lafleur. A thoughtful and kind tribute from a friend and team mate.
Remember seeing a sports broadcast replay in the early 80s of Lafleur taking the puck from behind his net and deking out the entire team to score the goal. Been trying to find that broadcast ever since, but it was unbelievable
Growing up in Montreal in the 70's I watched the greatest hockey of my life. Every time Guy took the puck there was a rising anticipation: in a few split seconds something beautiful and awe inspiring would occur. Thank-you Ken Dryden for bringing back those memories. RIP Buy Lafleur.
Les propos de Ken Dryden sont toujours francs et réfléchis. Ceux-ci démontrent bien la compréhension qu'il a de la réaction du Québec face à la perte de son dernier héros. Et en passant, merci Ti-Guy, et merci pour tout.
I was lucky and privileged enough to have seen Guy Lafleur play live several times during his prime. I was a total Montreal Canadiens fan back in those days of that legendary dynasty of which the Flower was the main star. RIP to Guy Lafleur, one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Bs fan here from the 70s and 80s- Gillies, Bossy, the Flower- so sad to see any player from that great era go so soon and suddenly, such a colorful and glorious time for the NHL. Rest in peace Guy, one of the all time legends.
Guy meant alot to the french-canadian crowd but also to fans all across Canada, me too in north central BC, oh yeah and Dryden rocked the crease
I watched Guy as a young fella on TV and I attended a game when he played for the Rangers. As a still fairly young man, I didn’t understand significant moments well, but, I remember so clearly thinking, this is special to see The Flower live. RIP to a hometown hero and NHL legend.
Le premier etoile. The first 🌟. Numero dix. Number ten. Guy Lafleur.
Thank you Guy. Merci. I remember.
Was the reason I played and loved hockey!!! Thanks Guy I will never forget the impact you had on my life.
I’m a long time Phila flyers fan but my heart breaks for the flower rip
I was so fortunate to see him play in the old Aud in Buffalo when I was a kid. He was one of the few things my parents agreed on - dad respected his abilities, mom had the hots for him!
I am deeply sadden by the passing of the Flower. He was and still is my favorite player. I just have to smile and remember what a life he lived. Thanks Guy for the lasting memories.
I remember as a kid playing street hockey in a montreal alley , all my teamates and opponents were Guy Lafleur , to own a Lafleur habs shirt was the apotheosis , Guy and Ken Dryden were my most cherished hockey cards and certainly my idols. Me and my dad were listening to habs games on the radio , sometimes very late , when they were playing on the west coast and if they were to lose a game we just couldn't deal with it , luckyly, in 1978, habs lost 8 games. Unforgettable moments, thanks to Guy for those great exiting moments and my best regards to Ken Dryden, once again he nails it. Great models for our society.
@Pierre Blais
Actually....that was the 1976-77 season when the best team EVER Montreal Canadiens only lost 8 games...only one (1) at the Forum to amass a record 132 points
In 1977-78 they only lost ...gasp...10 games for 129 points
No team in any sport will EVER match that record of only 8 losses in a full season
FORMIDABLE
Great talk by Ken Dryden! Guy was very nice when I asked him for his autograph as a very young kid!
I will remember the chant of the fans ,GUY GUY GUY GUY , as it says it all , an accomplished athlete , long ago a hero and now forever a legend.RIP GUY
Ken, you are the most well-spoken and eloquent hockey player that has ever existed. Your words brought back so many emotions of my teenage years as a Habs fan. With Le Glorieux's best players, including you, Guy, Steve Shutt, Yvan Cournoyer, Jacques Lemaire, Larry Robinson, ... All legends, and humble heroes. You and Guy have a lot in common: humility, grace, style, and an ability to detract attention away from you, while remaining a pillar of strength and inspiration to all those around you. You both have the eternal respect of all Habs fans.
As an immigrant kid with a brother who was fanatical about the Canadiens, I have to say that Guy was one of those legends that I only got to see just as the storied 70s run was about to end. He was the Canadiens to me and I never shifted loyalties through the difficult 80s as a kid. He was the hero we needed and wanted.
Thank you, Mr. Lafleur. And thank you, Mr. Dryden (my fellow Hamiltonian) for the memories!
It's always a pleasure to listen to Ken Dryden, such an eloquent gentleman.
RIP Guy, another gentleman. Sincerely from a Rangers fan
Well said. I had a buddy that grew up in Ithaca. Didn't know much about hockey but he remembered watching Dryden at Cornell. He's remembered there as a hero.
must add a story of Lafleur I have told my friends.
the first practice i got into the forum and stood aside Beliveau, who had just retired. I asked him what he thought of Lafleur .(Lafleur was to be his successor ), as he skated in a circle with the other players on the team.
Beliveau said and I quote" he has the pedigree, but does he have the heart"
A few years later, he sure showed it.
Even as a Boston fan, Guy Lafleur was my favorite player. He made it look so effortless with class and humility.
Once again, Mr. Dryden eloquently says it all
The best I've ever seen
Bon voyage flower
its sad watching your boyhood hero's get old...
Awesome to hear one legend discussing another one.
Ken Dryden is also a Montreal Hockey Legend!
Yes he is the Greatest goalie for our team.
@@marksantucci4230 He's the Greatest Goalie of ALL time...for ANY Team. Show me another goalie who won 6 Stanley Cups in 8 years....
@@velvetplatz1024 Well you know if you ask Devils fans they will tell you Marty we won't agree but that's what they will say
if you ask the guy on late night Saturday nights I think he thinks Roy some of his viewers are also into Roy.
we would say Dryden but not everybody will agree with us.
@@marksantucci4230 Oh don't get me wrong, I love Roy as well, but NO other goalie or player for that matter, has ever won the Calder Trophy the year AFTER winning the Conn Smythe, only #DRYDEN.
Beautiful interview. So well said by Tim and Ken both. Rest in Peace #10
Love Ken's tribute and I had the privilege of meeting Guy Lafleur and chatting with him. It is all true about Guy total class and humble
I was just a kid in the 70's growing up in a suburb of Montreal. Winning the cup was an annual event and as a kid we got to meet our heroes who visited parks across the city in the summers after their cup wins, parading the cup around and talking to kids even playing street hockey with us. Guy Lafleur was a god in Montreal in those days. These were amazing times I will never forget. Beyond the cup feeling so distant now, players seem different today - lots of great players today but they feel so far away from the fans. Not a knock to their character because hockey players are the greatest but just different times.
Ken Dryden is so eloquent and well-spoken, and a total gentleman in person as well. Even those of us who were not Canadiens supporters still had the utmost respect for them. I can't think of a team - in any sport - who had so many great players all at once. RIP, Guy, you really were a legend.
LaFleur bridged that gap between Orr and Gretzky. So glad I had the good fortune of seeing him develop into the star he became.
So sad to see his passing only days after another great, Mike Bossy. Two dynamic scorers and class acts.
A wonderful bond with history and talent and finding a way to win and win the hearts of Canada and Quebec.
He had flair and style and brilliance and an endearing sense of humbleness.
imagine this : if it took Ken Dryden decades to understand the reasons why the Rocket meant so much for Quebec, how can anyone else understand us without even living in Quebec? it's quite particuliar. before the 1940s, there were no french canadians of importance in society and quebecers were doomed to work for english boss who don't pay them much and don't recongnise quebecers as equals. The Rocket changed that perception. it opened the door for quebecers to believe in themselves, that they can do great things too themselves. Nowdays there are no big quebecer icon with the habs. But it's just that hockey isn't the main stage for greatness anymore. Quebecers have success in many other sports, science, finance, movie making, ect. that didn't exist before the Rocket. That's the legacy of the Rocket : that quebecers can do great things in life.
oui merci
Do you recognize anyone else as equals? The natives? The anglos, who are not all rich or powerful, as you imagine?
Mr. Lafleur respected his teammates regardless of pedigree, so perhaps this is not the place for your racial resentments.
merci Chris!
as for Kiafa your response just confirms what Chris was expressing.
Kiafa, my grandparents were told countless times to "speak white" when SOME Montréal anglophones heard them speak french.
Where's the racial resentment in Chris's response?
@@paulvezina8442 Were your grandparents ever forbidden by law (that is, by state violence) to use their language? Do you think francophones never told others to "speak white"? Ask the natives.
A fine tribute ... thank you for this. RIP Guy
RIP to one of the Best.
why not the Best?
He was the best for a time from 1975 to 1980. He was the first to have 5 consecutive 50+ goal seasons ever. Sure others later were able to do the same or even better but that takes nothing away from the flower's greatness during his prime.
@@marksantucci4230 Was he as great as Lemieux?
@@fredmar6436 I want to say yes but some will say no I guess it depends on who you talk to. In Montreal they like me will say yes
in Pittsburgh they will say no other area's it depends on who you talk to.
@@marksantucci4230 I also think Perreault is vastly underrated because he was never on a winner. Very exciting player to watch.
From Boston, respect to Mr. Lafleur. RIP.
Ken Dryden best ever!! thanks Ken :) loved watching all my youth.
Wow what a statement from a legend to another legend 👏.
I pass my youth watching the Canadiens every Saturday night .
My two favorite players where of course Guy Lafleur and yes Ken Dryden .
What a class act this man his.
I think Ken Dryden also carried a part of burden on his shoulders and thanks to him for a few Stanley Cups .
And just like he just said about Lafleur he just faced it .
His demeanor portrayed calm and class and what a goaler he was .
I will always remember all the family jumping in the living room everytime they won a game , a championship or a Stanley Cup .
When Ken Dryden saved a game and Guy Lafleur came to score to win it !
What an Era it was .
RIP Guy Lafleur and wish Mr. Ken Dryden Health Longevity and Prosperity .
Great insights Ken. You are one of my childhood hero's. Glad to see you are doing well. . We met many years ago at your book reading for your book "The Game" . Meeting you was a very special memory for me and my dad who has since passed. Thanks for passing the message along to Larry Robinson to say hi.. God bless you.
They don't make them like Guy anymore. He floated on the the ice and his entire game was so effortless. What an amazing hockey player. RIP Guy. You made me like hockey.
Wonderful interview, and great observations and insights by Dryden, one of the Canadiens and hockey's greatest. The thing that stands out is the humility and the humanity of these individuals. Behind their public persona were individuals who both understood and appreciated their gifts and responsibility to the sport and to the public. Their greatness as people first brought them to the summit in their sport.
Rest In Peace ❤️
Bossy then Lafleur..2 great players and 4 cups in a row each 🇨🇦🏒😔
i have carried Lafleur's hockey card in my wallet for 40+ years for good luck
your way a head of me I have 2 at my desk where I do youtube.
On top of the photo of your family?
So glad I got to see Guy play for my Rangers. RIP
Ken Dryden my boyhood sports idol. I played goal in minor hockey and dreamed of being the next Ken Dryden.
Ken speaks so well and his tribute to Numero dix, Number 10 Guy Lafleur was spot on.
As a kid and a Habs fan, through the 70's was an incredible era and so much fun to be a fan of.
🥰 the Habs.
I am a lifelong Blackhawk fan , but I always respected greatness . Guy Lefleur fills those skates along with Mike Bossy and this man Ken Dryden . A great loss to Canada , hockey and fans . My prayers to his family and friends .
Nothing better than watching the Canadians and Bruins in the late 70's with Danny Gallivan announcing on CBC. Rest in Peace Guy
"and Lemaire let's a cannonating shot go"
Very well spoken of Legend Guy Lafleur,from Legend Ken Dryden.We thank you Guy Lafleur,for the great memories you brought to the game of hockey and the Montreal Canadians and fans around the world. Condolences goes out to the Lafleur family🙏 God Bless and Rest in Peace Brother 🙏
He's one of the very few players that made you get up from your seat whenever he had the puck
I'll always have Guy in my mind ( despite being a Bruin fan to the core ). He died on Friday; my Dad, Arnold MacEachern, passed away Saturday afternoon.
Thank you Guy!!!!! 🔵⚪️🔴🏒🥅❤️
A poignant moment in Canadian history. From a Leafs fan. RIP "Guy".
Thank you for stopping by.
Dryden, in his eloquent way really captures the essence of who Guy Lafleur was. Despite being very different from his Canadiens teammates, Dryden actually fit in and got along with them very well. The Habs of the '70s were a team, no big heads, and Lafleur was humble superstar, and his teammates knew that. They adored him.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Guy Lafleur Ken, well done.
He was special and unique.
Part of my youth from Winnipeg to Edmonton watching his style of play ... thank you Guy Lafleur X O California
My favourite player of the Montreal Canadians I’ll always have great memories RIP .