Stanley Cup stars emotional following Claude – Sports News
Rasmus Andersson has discovered it ‘robust’ since Claude Lemieux handed (Image: Getty)
Vegas Golden Knights star Rasmus Andersson is getting ready for the largest week of his life within the Stanley Cup Final, however has been rocked by the sudden passing of NHL legend Claude Lemieux.
Lemieux died immediately, aged 60, simply days after carrying the ceremonial torch for the Montreal Canadiens within the playoffs. The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Canadiens to advance to the Final, the place they may face the Golden Knights, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Las Vegas has already received the Stanley Cup in its short historical past, however newcomers Mitch Marner and Andersson are hoping to earn a maiden championship ring this season.Marner opened up on overcoming “dark times” in hockey earlier than becoming a member of the Golden Knights, and Andersson has additionally discovered it robust since Lemieux’s passing.
Lemieux had a number of longtime shoppers within the NHL, together with Andersson, however he additionally represented Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen. While they may go to battle towards one another on the ice, they each share heaps of love and appreciation for Lemieux and his affect on their careers.
Andersson discovered of his passing after clinching the Western Conference title with the Golden Knights, and when he spoke to reporters forward of the Stanley Cup, he wasn’t himself. “Yeah, it’s been tough,” Andersson stated.
Lemieux attended the ECF simply days earlier than his sudden passing (Image: Getty)
“Of course, I’m really happy sitting here. But do I wish with all my heart that Claude was going to be here with us? Yes.”
Andersson’s relationship with Lemieux dates back effectively earlier than he went professional. “The first time I met Claude, I think I was 13 or 14 years old, and he’s been there every step of the way,” Andersson defined, as his older brother was signed by the NHL legend.
“He was there when I played in Sweden; he was the one who brought me over to Barrie. He was there in the American League. He was there in the NHL. He did my first contract, and he was going to do my next one too. So it’s tough. It’s been a tough few days.”
Andersson has recognized Lemieux for over half of his life (Image: Getty)
While Lemieux was effectively revered as an agent, he additionally linked along with his shoppers on a personal stage. He was seen as a father determine by many, in addition to a motivator who had the participant’s best pursuits at coronary heart.
“One of the first things he told me was, ‘the sky’s the limit for you,'” Andersson stated. “He was one of those I could call about just about anything. Almost that safety blanket for me. He’d watch a game and could tell if I was mad, if I played good or bad right away. I miss him dearly.”
Andersson was delighted when he noticed Lemieux carry the torch for Montreal, and revealed that he had been despatched a touching message after Las Vegas reached the Stanley Cup Final. “I was proud for him to see that, and how cool it was,” he stated.
Freddie Andersen was additionally represented by Lemieux (Image: Getty)
“He texted me after we clinched, and after we made it through. And then I’m on the golf course with my dad, and I get the call from a Swedish guy telling me what happened. I don’t think anyone saw it coming. It’s just one of those things you wish wasn’t true.”
Carolina’s goaltender, Frederik Andersen, was additionally one of his longest shoppers, and Andersson enters the Stanley Cup realizing how a lot each gamers meant to him. “I know how proud he is of both me and Freddie,” he concluded.
“It makes it more special and harder that he’s not here to see it. I can talk for hours about him. I can’t say good enough things about him, and how much he’s meant for me personally.”
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