The Calgary Flames paid tribute to former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau earlier than a sport towards the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night time, months after he and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, have been tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver whereas using bikes on a rural highway in New Jersey the night time earlier than their sister’s marriage ceremony.
The emotional night time started with a ceremonial puck drop that included Gaudreau’s dad and mom, Jane and Man, his two sisters and his spouse, Meredith, and their two youngsters.
Johnny Gaudreau’s household throughout the ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets middle Sean Monahan, #23, and Calgary Flames middle Mikael Backlund, #11, throughout the first interval on the Scotiabank Saddledome on Dec. 3, 2024. (Sergei Belski-Imagn Pictures)
Johnny Gaudreau, who performed hockey at Boston School together with his brother Matthew and gained a nationwide title in 20212, spent nearly all of his NHL profession taking part in for the Flames. In 2022, he signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets.
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Tuesday night time marked the primary assembly of his two former groups since his tragic dying on Aug. 29.
Because the Gaudreau household walked towards middle ice, followers broke out in “Johnny, Johnny, Johnny!” chants. Gamers on the ice wore Gaudreau’s identify and quantity on their jerseys in pregame warmups.
Johnny Gaudreau’s household throughout the ceremonial puck drop previous to the sport between the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets on the Scotiabank Saddledome on Dec. 3, 2024. (Sergei Belski-Imagn Pictures)
Johnny was additionally honored by the Flames after their 3-0 victory over Columbus as he was named the primary star of the sport. His father walked out on the ice to simply accept the distinction alongside Calgary captain Rasmus Andersson.
Through the sport, Andersson, who was an in depth pal of Johnny’s, pointed to his household seated in a Saddledome field after scoring for the Flames.
“Everyone has been so warm,” Meredith stated of the emotional return to Calgary. “It feels almost like you’ve never left when you are here for a couple days, so many familiar faces. And, you know, spent so much time here, so a lot of good memories.”
Johnny Gaudreau, #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets, reacts after scoring the game-tying aim throughout the third interval of a sport towards the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Area on Jan. 31, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Ben Jackson/NHLI by way of Getty Pictures)
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Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, have been set to be groomsmen at their sister’s marriage ceremony in Philadelphia in late August. In response to regulation enforcement on the time, the Gaudreau brothers have been biking on a highway the night time earlier than the marriage when a suspected drunk driver, heading in the identical course, tried to cross two different autos and struck them from behind.
They have been pronounced lifeless on the scene.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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