Community Corner
Former NHL Star Who Played In Worcester Dies At 60
Claude Lemieux was a four-time Stanley Cup champion who played for the Worcester Sharks during the 2008-09 season.
WORCESTER, MA — A former professional hockey player who made a late-career comeback through the city is being remembered by the Worcester Railers.
The Railers said Thursday they were “heartbroken” by the death of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion who played for the Worcester Sharks during the 2008-09 season. He was 60.
“Claude was a Worcester Pro Hockey alumni, playing for the Worcester Sharks during the 2008-09 season,” the Railers said in a statement. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Claude’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
The Worcester Sharks were the city’s American Hockey League team at the time. Lemieux signed with Worcester in 2008 as part of a comeback attempt after several years away from the NHL, then earned an 18-game stint with the San Jose Sharks, according to NHL.com.
Lemieux played 21 NHL seasons and won Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000 and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996, according to NHL.com. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded early Thursday to the scene of an apparent suicide at the family’s furniture store in Lake Park, Florida and said the victim was believed to be Lemieux, according to The Associated Press.
The NHL Alumni Association announced Lemieux’s death Thursday, according to the AP. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called Lemieux “one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
