Goyette remembered for clean living on, off ice
That story, and many others, flowed freely as they posed for photos and signed autographs for dozens of young fans who knew them only because of the CH crest they wore at breakfast, playfully pulling on modern jerseys to recreate 1950s black-and-white portrait poses.
Together, Lach, St. Laurent and Goyette happily worked the banquet circuit, attending fundraisers, barbeques and golf tournaments, spreading goodwill among fans and strengthening a bond of friendship that went back more than a half-century.
“We’ve stuck together for this long because the Canadiens were always like family,” Goyette said that day. “That’s why you won so much. We helped each other out every which way.”
Lach and St. Laurent died two days apart in April 2015. There’s a good chance they’re booking tee times now for a threesome that’s reunited once more.
Goyette was predeceased by his wife, Ginette, and a son, Stephen. His daughters, Lianne and Suzanne, have planned a memorial service for Feb. 27 in Montreal-suburban Dorval.
Top photo: Phil Goyette with an eight-stitch cut on his chin following his three-goal performance at the Montreal Forum on Jan. 22, 1960, and as captain of coach Scotty Bowman’s Montreal Junior Canadiens during the 1953-54 season.
