The Columbus Blue Jackets had their only visit to Calgary this season on Tuesday, and it was a night of emotions as Johnny Gaudreau was honored before, during, and after the game. ‘Johnny Hockey’ was named the first star of the game, leading to a beautiful moment between the fans and Guy Gaudreau.
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver while biking in New Jersey this summer. Johnny Gaudreau was one of the most well-liked players in the NHL, respected by everyone he played with or against.
He played the first nine years of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames before spending his final two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets. On Tuesday, Columbus made their only visit to Calgary this season, and both Johnny and Matthew were honored with the dignity and respect they deserved.
Johnny Gaudreau honored by the Flames
Before the game, a video montage of Gaudreau’s NHL career was shown, and when players took the ice for warmups, all 40 wore jerseys honoring Gaudreau, with the No. 13 on them.
Members of the Gaudreau family were in attendance, including Johnny’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, and Johnny and Matthew’s father, Guy Gaudreau. Both were on the ice during a ceremonial puck drop, together with Johnny and Matthew’s mother and sisters.
The Calgary Flames won the game 3-0, and as time ran down, fans began chanting, ‘Johnny Hockey.’ After the game, Johnny Gaudreau was awarded the first star of the game, and Guy Gaudreau once again took the ice to wave to the crowd, arm in arm with Rasmus Andersson and Mikael Backlund.
Gaudreau named first star
On the Sportsnet broadcast, Guy Gaudreau talked about how much the night meant to him, and as he spoke, both Mikael Backlund and Rasmus Andersson couldn’t hide their tears.
“I know if he’s looking down, he’s smiling, happy that these guys played hard for him,” Guy Gaudreau said. “It’s been a hard time for my family, but these guys are hurting too, you know, and they’ve got to play. The way they played tonight, with heavy hearts, was pretty impressive to me.
“I love these guys and a lot of the guys in the locker room, and it was fun to watch them perform the way they did.
”At center ice, when they dropped the puck, Backs here, and Monny [Sean Monahan] are both bawling, and I’m crying, like, ‘How are they going to play a hockey game?’ I could barely get up the stairs. These are tough guys, and they’re great hockey players, and I’m proud of them. John’s looking down at them and proud of them also.”
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