Hockey World Loses a Legend

Jean Beliveau has passed away at the age of 83. It is impossible to describe how much #4 meant to the Montreal Canadiens and their fans. Even though I was never able to see him play live, my father would entertain me with stories about watching the Hall of Famer. Beliveau won 10 Stanley Cups with the Canadiens, scored 507 goals and finished with 1,219 points between 1950 -1971.  He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, two years earlier than the traditional three year waiting period.

I was fortunate enough to meet stick-handling legend. I was 8 years old and he was on a book tour promoting his biography Jean Beliveau My Life In Hockey at the Lynden Park Mall in Brantford, Ontario. My father had bought his book but was unable to make the signing. In his place my mother, sister and I waited patiently in line to get the book signed. I remember my mom telling me that I would be the one who would approach Mr. Beliveau which scared me to death. I watched as each person in front of me got their copies signed and walked off with huge grins on their faces. I don't really recall what exactly was going through my head as I walked up to the legendary #4 himself, but I do remember the very first thing he did was extend his hand to me and smile. At that point all fear vanished. I will remember that handshake until the day I die and that was the first thought that came to my mind when I heard the tragic news late Tuesday night. The hockey world has lost a legend, a great ambassador and an even greater man.

Jean Beliveau - August 31, 1931 – December 2, 2014

Here is a video of Beliveau scoring the fastest Stanley Cup winning goal in history in Game 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks, May 1st, 1965