Elmer Lach

Elmer Lach with the Art Ross Trophy (left), awarded annually to the NHL's leading point scorer. He was the inaugural recipient in 1948. At right is the Frank Selke Trophy, honouring the NHL's outstanding defensive forward.
Allen McInnis, Gazette

• TV update: Short profile airs on CBC Montreal's 6 pm news tonight; longer version on The National next week, date TBA.

Canadiens legend Elmer Lach, the 91-year-old Hall of Famer who centred the Habs' magnificent Punch Line of Maurice (Rocket) Richard and Toe Blake, captivated an overflow crowd at Pointe Claire City Hall last night, regaling the audience with tales of his career.

Elmer's talk, which drew a standing ovation, was the centrepiece of an interactive discussion on the 100 years of the Canadiens, organized by the Pointe Claire Public Library's Mary-Jane O'Neill and held in the city's council chambers, Mayor Bill McMurchie a rapt listener in the front row.

Canadiens legend Elmer Lach was the first recipient of the Art Ross Trophy (left) in 1948, awarded to the NHL's top point-scorer.

If you're in the Montreal area Wednesday night:

For better or for worse, the Canadiens have captured the imagination of hockey fans the world over for a century. This Wednesday at 7 p.m., the team’s rich history will be discussed by one of its greatest stars and by two members of the media who have covered many of the club’s highs and lows.

Canadiens Hall of Famer Elmer Lach, who centred Maurice (Rocket) Richard and Toe Blake on the legendary Punch Line of the 1940s, will be joined by veteran broadcaster Dick Irvin Jr. and Gazette sportswriter Dave Stubbs in the council chamber of Pointe-Claire City Hall, 451 boul. St. Jean (map here), for an interactive talk about the Habs – past, present and future – presented by the Pointe-Claire Public Library.