The Calgary flames paid tribute to former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau before a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, months after he and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver while driving that night on a rural road in New Jersey cycled before their sister’s wedding.
The emotional evening began with a ceremonial puck drop attended by Gaudreau’s parents, Jane and Guy, his two sisters and his wife Meredith, and their two children.
Johnny Gaudreau’s family during the ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan, #23, and Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund, #11, during first period at the Scotiabank Saddledome on December 3, 2024. (Sergei Belski-Imagn images)
Johnny Gaudreau, who played hockey at Boston College with his brother Matthew and won a national title in 2021, spent most of his NHL career playing for the Flames. In 2022, he signed a seven-year contract worth $68.25 million with the club Blue jackets.
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Tuesday night marked the first meeting between his two former teams since his tragic death on August 29.
As the Gaudreau family walked to center ice, fans broke out into “Johnny, Johnny, Johnny!” chants. Players on the ice wore Gaudreau’s name and number on their jerseys during pre-game warmups.
Johnny Gaudreau’s family during the ceremonial puck drop prior to the game between the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Scotiabank Saddledome on December 3, 2024. (Sergei Belski-Imagn images)
Johnny was also honored by the Flames after their 3-0 victory over Columbus, when he was named the game’s first star. His father walked onto the ice to accept the honor, along with Calgary captain Rasmus Andersson.
BLUE COATS HONOR JOHNNY GAUDRAU WITH EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE IN COLUMBUS’ FIRST HOME GAME SINCE HIS DEATH
During the game, Andersson, who was a close friend of Johnny’s, pointed to his family sitting in a Saddledome box after scoring for the Flames.
“Everyone was so warm,” Meredith said of the emotional return to Calgary. “It almost feels like you never left when you’re here for a few days, so many familiar faces. And you know, you’ve spent so much time here, so many good memories.”
Johnny Gaudreau, #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets, reacts after scoring the tying goal during the third period of a game against the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena on January 31, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were supposed to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia in late August. According to police at the time, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on the road the night before the wedding when a suspected drunk driver while driving in the same direction, he tried to pass two other vehicles and hit them from behind.
They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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