Claude Lemieux #32 of the San Jose Sharks looks on against the Anaheim Ducks during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 21, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How …
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Claude Lemieux, the hockey player known for championship runs in the National Hockey League, has died at the age of 60, according to the NHL Alumni Association.
TMZ Sports is reporting he died by suicide. Sources say he was found Thursday morning at a business owned by his family in Florida.
Lemieux was known for his time with the Montreal Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils and the Colorado Avalanche, winning four championships between the three clubs.
Lemieux was born in Buckingham, Quebec and was selected in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, making his debut with the Canadiens that season.
Claude finished his career going back to New Jersey in 1999, winning his fourth championship, before signing to play with the Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks.
He has played internationally on various occasions for Canada, winning a gold medal at the 1985 World Junior Hockey Championships and the 1987 Canada Cup.
Legacy & impact
Lemieux is remembered for his legendary play, specifically during the playoffs, scoring 10 goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games with his championship run in Montreal, and 13 goals in 20 playoff games as a Playoff MVP with the Devils.
In his 21-year career, Lemieux had 158 points (78 goals, 80 assists) in 234 playoff games, only missing the postseason just once in his last 19 NHL seasons.
What they're saying:
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said of Lemieux, he was "one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history."
The Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson also added, "a fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments."
The post by the NHL Alumni, says he is remembered by his wife and four children.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the National Hockey League and NHL Alumni. This story was reported from Orlando.