The name Lemieux has reached legendary status in the sport of hockey, with one of the all-time greats sporting it right above his iconic #66. We’re talking about Mario, of course, but he’s not the only Lemieux to leave his mark on the game. Long time NHLer Claude Lemieux also left a very distinct impression on the game, but certainly not for the same reason.
During his time with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks, Claude Lemieux developed a reputation as an agitator. There are lots of “questionable” hits that would leave players injured, and leave opposing fans with a clear public enemy number one.
Despite being loathed by most teams and fan bases he played against, Lemieux actually enjoyed an extremely successful career. He is one of only 11 players to win the cup as a member of three separate teams, and he also has the ninth-most playoff goals in NHL history. The on-ice success does not clear him of wrongdoing in the eyes of most fans, however, and on Monday a fan proved just that.
The Manitoba Moose were warming up to play the Grand Rapids Griffins in a do-or-die, winner-go-home Game 5. One of their roster players, Brenden Lemieux, was sports a familiar name. That’s because he is the son of longtime agitator Claude, and this Griffins’ fan wasn’t going to let that one go.
No punches pulled when it comes to ol’ Claude.
(H/T Reddit user: u/t3ach3r24)
