Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen paid tribute to his longtime agent, Claude Lemieux, in a touching statement Sunday, describing the “care, compassion, loyalty and love” that the NHL great showed the netminder.
The death of Lemieux — who died by suicide — last week was a shock to the hockey world and left a void felt by many across the sport, which included Andersen.
“Claude made an unimaginable impact on me during the more than 15 years that he was a part of my life,” Andersen said in a statement on Sunday. “I almost feel sorry for people who didn’t have an opportunity to get to know him beyond his achievements and impact on the ice. As phenomenal as his hockey career was, he was an even better human being. From day one, he made me feel like I was a part of his family – treating me with care, compassion, loyalty and love as if I was his own son. He had a similar effect on members of my own family, leaving a lasting impression on every life that he touched.
“I cannot imagine the pain Claude was in, and I pray that he is in a better place now. My thoughts are with Deborah, Brendan, Claudia and the entire Lemieux family as we grieve together. Claude’s spirit will remain in my heart, always.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office told The Post on Friday that Lemieux, 60, hanged himself and was discovered by one of his sons at 3:32 a.m. on Thursday in the warehouse of the furniture business that belonged to the family in Lake Park, Fla.
Lemieux dealt with depression in the lead-up to his death, Colombe Lacroix, a close family friend, told The Post last week.
Following Lemieux’s death, hockey fans visited the store on Friday to pay their respects to the NHL great, who won Stanley Cups with the Canadiens, Devils and Avalanche.
Andersen couldn’t help but get emotional when he was speaking with TNT Sports after the Hurricanes advanced to the Stanley Cup on Saturday.
Asked what message Lemieux would have for him after the win, Anderson told Jackie Redmond, “Just go get it. He’s the ultimate competitor, but he’s got the biggest heart. So he wants it so much for me and for this team.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
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