Henri Richard's funeral will be closed to public due to coronavirus

The funeral for late Montreal Canadiens legend Henri Richard will be a private event, Richard's family announced by way of the club Friday, in response to the Quebec government's measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Only immediate family members can attend the event. Media representatives and members of the general public will not be admitted.

Those who wish to offer condolences or send flowers can do so through Richard's online obituary.

Richard, the younger brother of fellow Canadiens legend Maurice "Rocket" Richard, died last Friday at the age of 84. The "Pocket Rocket" won the Stanley Cup 11 times - a record for a player - and served as Montreal's captain for four seasons in the 1970s.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.