Beliveau released from hospital

MONTREAL (AP) - Montreal Canadiens great Jean Beliveau has been released from the hospital after suffering a stroke late last month.

Spokesman Donald Beauchamp said Beliveau was released from Montreal General Hospital on Friday. The 80-year-old Hall of Famer was transferred to a rehabilitation center.

"His condition is improving, it's good news," Beauchamp said Saturday.

Beliveau suffered the stroke on Feb. 27, his second in as many years.

He was also treated for cardiac problems in 1996 and in 2000 was diagnosed with a tumor on his neck. Beliveau underwent surgery last year to treat abdominal aneurysms.

Beliveau won 10 Stanley Cups as a player with the Canadiens.

His career began with brief stints with the Canadiens over two seasons before he joined the team for good in 1953-54.

Beliveau retired in 1971 after playing his entire NHL career in Montreal.

He had 507 goals and 712 assists in 1,125 games. He also had 176 points (79 goals, 97 assists) in the playoffs.