It was an emotional night in Calgary as the Flames and Blue Jackets remembered former forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, who were tragically killed in a bicycle accident in New Jersey on August 29th.
The brothers' mother and father Jane and Guy, sisters Katie and Kristen, Johnny's wife Meredith and children Noah and Johnny Jr. take part in a ceremonial showdown ahead of Tuesday's game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. did.
Johnny played his first nine seasons in Calgary, where he earned the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” and spent his final two seasons in Columbus.
Guy attended Flames practice on Monday and led the puck drop with his family as fans held up flashlights.
There wasn't a dry eye in the arena when the Flames honored Johnny with a video tribute.
This was the first matchup between Johnny's former teams in Calgary.
Both teams wore Gaudreau jerseys during warmups, and Flames goaltender Dan Vladar wore a special mask honoring Johnny and Matthew.
Johnny was named the first star of the game after Calgary's 3-0 win over Columbus.
Guy took to the ice to accept the honor and shared a hug with Johnny's former teammate, Calgary captain Rasmus Andersson.
Andersson scored his first goal of the game midway through the second period. I looked up at Johnny's family and saluted.
After the game, he said, “It was the most emotional goal I've ever scored.”
In an interview with Sportsnet, Meredith also revealed her first tattoo, Johnny's signature, on her wrist in honor of Johnny.
Johnny's family traveled to Calgary this week for a ceremonial game.
Johnny and Matthew were killed by what appeared to be a drunk driver while riding their bicycles on a rural road in Salem County, New Jersey, on the day of their sister Katie's wedding.
The driver has been charged with two counts of death by motor vehicle, reckless driving, possession of an open container and having alcohol in a vehicle.
Meredith said she wanted fans to see the couple's children and said the family received a warm welcome in Calgary.
“Everyone has been so warm,” she said. “When you stay here for a few days, it feels like you never left here because you see so many familiar faces. And because you spent so much time here, you have so many good memories.” there was.”
