Hockey legend Guy Lafleur, “The Flower,” was found guilty of perjury and giving false evidence at his son’s bail hearing two years ago by a provincial Quebec Court judge.
Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1971 until 1991 and led the Canadians to five Stanley Cups, became entangled in the legal wrangle when he vouched that his son complied with a court-ordered curfew and was at home with his parents during a weekend away from rehab.
Hotel receipts proved later that his troubled son, who suffers from Tourette syndrome, was actually at a hotel for two nights with his 16-year old girlfriend. Lafleur later admitted to condoning the hotel rendezvous, and even drove his son to the hotel.
Mark Lafleur, 24, is serving 15 months’ house arrest after pleading guilty to 23 counts of drug, drunken driving and assault charges, 13 of which involved his ex-girlfriend.
Quebec Court judge Claude Parent said he did not believe Lafleur when he testified that he simply forgot to mention his son’s escapades.
A Canadian hockey ambassador, Lafleur now faces up to 14 years in prison.