CALGARY, Alberta — With the Gaudreau household watching from the stands, Rasmus Andersson, Kevin Bahl and Yegor Sharangovich scored targets because the Calgary Flames shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 in a recreation between the 2 franchises for which the late Johnny Gaudreau performed.
The Gaudreaus, together with Johnny’s father and mom, Man and Jane, Johnny’s spouse, Meredith, and Johnny’s sisters, Katie and Kristen, traveled to Calgary this week, and Man Gaudreau truly took half within the Flames’ apply Monday upfront of the sport.
The Flames held a pregame ceremony that included a video tribute and ceremonial puck drop that was led by Man Gaudreau. Through the video, which the Flames posted to their social media accounts, there was a quote featured from Johnny Gaudreau that learn, “I hope the individuals of Calgary can bear in mind me not solely as a hockey participant, but additionally a very good particular person with good values.”
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, had been killed on Aug. 29 when police stated they had been struck by a suspected drunken driver whereas they had been using bicycles on a rural highway on the eve of their sister Katie’s marriage ceremony. The driving force who police say struck them has been charged with two counts of dying by auto, together with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motorized vehicle.
Often known as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau performed the primary eight of his 10 full seasons with Calgary, the place he developed into one of many NHL’s prime gamers. He spent his final two seasons with the Blue Jackets after signing in Columbus as a free agent.
On Tuesday, Meredith Gaudreau talked about her emotional return to Calgary and instructed Sportsnet that to mark the go to, she had her husband’s signature tattooed onto her proper wrist and forearm.
Johnny Hockey without end ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RO9foGPFYD
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 4, 2024
“I believed it could be cool to say that I did that in Calgary as a result of that’s the place his autograph actually took off,” she stated. “It is like, that is the place all of it started.”
She additionally stated she was excited to see the followers and wished them to see her youngsters.
“Everybody has been so heat,” she stated. “It feels nearly such as you’ve by no means left if you find yourself right here for a pair days, so many acquainted faces. And, you understand, spent a lot time right here, so quite a lot of good reminiscences.”
The Flames’ tributes to their former star started when the gamers wore Gaudreau’s title and quantity on their jerseys in pregame warmups. The ceremonial faceoff featured Blue Jackets ahead Sean Monahan and the Flames ahead Mikael Backlund.
Meredith Gaudreau wept as she thanked Calgary’s followers.
“They have been superb,” she stated whereas wiping away tears. “I learn everybody’s messages. … I really feel prefer it’s dwelling away from dwelling nonetheless, so it is simply very nice. With the ability to be right here, and having followers see the youngsters, and there is a ton of individuals I’ll see tonight. I’m actually glad to be right here.”
Flames goaltender Dan Vladar, who made 16 saves en path to the victory, performed with a particular masks that honored Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
“I simply wished to do one thing to tribute Johnny and Matthew,” Vladar stated final month. “Johnny was an excellent pal of us and all of us miss the boys so much.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
