The October 30 book launch of Le Protecteur: La fascinante histoire de Gilles Lupien, written by Radio-Canada sports columnist Martin Leclerc, held a small crowd in the enforcer’s hometown. The biography examines the hockey star’s life from his humble beginnings to becoming a National Hockey League (NHL) enforcer.
The event also coincided with showcasing the progress of the first phase of the Aréna Gilles-Lupien renovation project in Brownsburg-Chatham.
Mayor Kévin Maurice gave a brief speech to media and community attendees on the local significance of Lupien’s contributions to hockey and the players who continue to enjoy the game. Maurice stated that Lupien’s life was reflective of the community’s integrity and commitment to neighbours. He then closed by saying he was proud to have the arena’s reconstruction project underway to ensure the community continued enjoying its hockey roots.
As a player and later as an agent, Lupien often fought for the rights and protections of hockey players, especially those in the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and beyond.
“I spent the last three years of his life talking with him, talking every day. His life is an important story for hockey in Québec: he played for the best team, even without finishing Grade 8,” Leclerc told The Review.
He continued by saying the biography highlights Lupien’s “street smarts and good values; he was honest and loyal to those around him.”
“He considered players like his own children. Although he was very much known as a tough guy, Lupien always stood by his values and worked to make hockey safer and more equitable for players.”
Lupien won the Stanley Cup with the Montréal Canadiens in 1978 and 1979 alongside Guy Lafleur, whom he was namely hired to protect on the ice. Players in the league knew that if they messed with Lafleur, they were to expect reckoning from “Loupie.”
Considered to be a leader in working to ban fighting in the QMJHL and a strong advocate for better player conditions in junior leagues, Lupien left his distinct mark on hockey in the province. After retiring from play, Lupien became a hockey agent and represented well-known players like Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Steve Bernier, Corey Crawford, and Sean Couturier.
The community arena in Brownsburg-Chatham was later renamed to honour Lupien’s achievements in 1985. Lupien passed away on May 18, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.
