Marcel Leclaire of Sudbury has a knack for luck that defies explanation. Over the years, he’s transformed simple lottery tickets into life-altering fortunes, proving that sometimes, fate truly smiles on a few.
His winning streak began in 2017 with a $1 million Encore prize. Then, in 2025, he struck gold again, claiming a remarkable $3 million with Instant Platinum. But Marcel’s incredible journey wasn’t over – he recently added another chapter to his story with a top prize win of $88,888 from Instant Lunar 8s.
A retired taxi driver, Marcel has been a loyal lottery player for over four decades. This latest win, however, felt particularly special, sparked by a surprising connection to his favorite hockey player.
“I’m a big fan of David Pastrňák, and his jersey number is 88,” Marcel explained, recalling the moment he decided to purchase the winning ticket. “I saw the number 88 on this ticket, so I decided to pick one up.” It was a simple impulse that would change his life once more.
The winning moment unfolded while Marcel was still at the store, checking his ticket. He described a feeling of utter disbelief washing over him. “I stood there in complete shock,” he said. “Even though it was my third big win, the feeling was just as intense as the first.”
He immediately shared the incredible news with his brother, a moment of shared joy and celebration. “He was so happy for me,” Marcel recalled, his voice filled with warmth. To win once is remarkable; to win three times feels almost unreal.
Marcel described his third windfall as simply “great” and expressed a deep sense of gratitude. He feels incredibly fortunate to have experienced such extraordinary luck.
With his latest winnings, Marcel plans to invest in a new home and furnish it with comfortable new pieces. He also intends to set aside a portion of the money for future security, ensuring his good fortune continues to benefit him for years to come.
The Instant Lunar 8s ticket, available for $5, offered a top prize of $88,888. While the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.61, Marcel’s story is a testament to the possibility of extraordinary luck.
The winning ticket was purchased at Donovan Variety on Kathleen Street in Sudbury, a local store that played a small part in a truly remarkable story of fortune and fate.
