St. John's IceCaps getting some 'Flower Power' for home opener

Theman known as "the flower" and the "Blonde Demon" is in St. John's for the IceCaps home opener.

Guy Lafleurhelped the Montreal Canadiens win five Stanley Cups in the 1970s. Now the IceCaps hope a little bit of his magic will rub off on them.

"It's pretty special to have him here. I'm wearing number 10 because of him. My father was a big fan of his," said IceCaps left-winger Charles Hudon, who grew up in Chicoutimi, Quebec.

Hudonis too young to have ever seen Lafleurplay but every Quebecerknows his reputation.

"Everyone talks about Wayne Gretzkybut Guy Lafleur was great too," he said.

Lafleur played 17 seasons in the NHL. Hudonwas called up to the Montreal Canadiens for three games last year but hopes he'll spend more time there this year.

"For sure my goal is to play in the NHL, so every timeI jump on the ice I have to be 100 per cent," said Hudon.

The IceCapscoach is a little bit older than his players.Sylvain Lefebvreremembersseeing Lafleur play.

"You know, he needs no introduction. I grew up watching him and have been lucky to meet him a few times when I played for Montreal," saidLefebvre.

"He has a presence about him that very few people have. People love him and he's an ambassador for the Canadiens so it's great to see him here."

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He saidthe team is happy to be back in St. John's and is shooting to make the playoffs this year.

"Now we got to take care of business here at home," he said.

The American Hockey Leagueseason is nearly two weeks old, but Friday will be the first time the St. John's IceCaps play on home ice at Mile One Centre.

The Montreal Canadiens's farm team is currently sitting in the sixth spot in the North Division with a 2-3-1 record.