Penguins Team Flies to Montreal at 4AM to Support Kris Letang Through His Family Emergency

To say this year hasn't been the easiest on Letang would be a gross understatement. Though he miraculously recovered in record time from his (unbelievably) second stroke earlier in the season, he was soon hit with a lower body injury that would take him out of a number of games, including the Winter Classic. But fate had other plans, and Kris heartbreakingly never even went to the game as he returned to Canada instantly upon receiving word about the death of his father, Claude Fouquet.

While Kris has been in Montréal, the Penguins have been on the road since December 31 - the Winter Classic. They broke a 6 game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Coyotes last night, and were supposed to fly home for a day of rest before tomorrow's game against the Canucks.




Instead, a couple of the guys came up with the idea to support their teammate, their brother, instead. The idea was, of course, instantly adopted by the entire organization, and plans were set in motion. Plans like someone having to collect 20+ passports and fly them to Arizona, as none of the away games had been out of the States. Passports were delivered, new flights were arranged, and the Pittsburgh contingency of the Letang family arrived in Montréal at 4am, this morning. They were able to nab a few hours of sleep before the funeral, although something tells me getting no sleep wouldn't have mattered. In case it wasn't before, it should be very clear what Kris Letang means to this team, and this city. And I'm not talking about his hockey skills.


Hockey is a game, but it is also a job for thousands of people. And just like in any other line of work, family should always come first. And sometimes, there are those of us lucky enough to find more family within our jobs. People who understand us. Respect us. Love us. And when you've worked at the same job for 17 years, those who have made that same journey with you become part of your family, no matter what. And even those who join it, later, can see, understand, and respect that fact.

Kris Letang is unabashedly beloved, and the grace and humanity shown by the Penguins organization during this incredibly emotional time will never be forgotten.