Most Emotional Moments From Johnny Gaudreau’s Family Return Calgary

The family of the deceased Johnny Gaudreau he returned to the city where he received the “Johnny Hockey” medal.

Johnny played the first nine seasons of his NHL career as a member of the Calgary Flames. On Tuesday, December 3, the Columbus Blue Jackets – the team Johnny was playing for when he was hit and killed by a drunk driver on August 29 – made their first trip to Calgary since the tragedy, which also killed Johnny’s brother. , Matthew.

The night was amazing from start to finish, with Johnny’s entire family – his parents, Guy again Janehis wife, Meredithhis two children, Noah again Johnnyand two sisters, Kristen again Katie — was present at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome.

Decked out in Flames jerseys with the name Gaudreau stitched on the back, the family wept bitterly throughout the night, honoring the mark Johnny left on both the Flames organization and the city of Calgary.

For the most emotional moments from the evening, read on.

Calgary Flames Tribute Video

Before the game, the tribute video was set to a live, reimagined version Chuck Berrya song by Johnny B. Goode is played.

The video showed some of the most memorable moments of Johnny’s time with the Flames, on and off the ice.

“I hope the people of Calgary can remember me not only as a hockey player, but also as a good person with good values,” says an old quote from Johnny. “Thank you for supporting me over the past years, and for making my family a part of you.”

Festive Puck Drop

The entire Gaudreau family — including Johnny’s daughter Noah, 2, and son Johnny, 9 months — took to the ice for the celebratory puck drop.

The family was surrounded by both the Flames and Blue Jackets, which left an eye on the field.

Johnny’s mother, Jane, threw away a special hand-painted puck that was made and left outside the Saddledome by a young fan – one of the many tributes left outside the stadium as a temporary memorial to the player after his death.

Sean Monahan Breaks into Tears

Johnny’s best friend, Sean Monahanrepresented the Blue Jackets’ at the ceremonial puck drop. Monahan, 30, could not hold back the tears, as the hockey star was visibly upset at the time.

Monahan played with Johnny for nine seasons in Calgary. In July, Monahan signed a five-year contract with the Blue Jackets, bringing the two together in Columbus.

“He’s trying to carry on his legacy as much as possible,” Monahan said Athletic before the game. “To do what he did (on the ice), I can’t do that. But I try to make him proud. We wanted to get back together, play in the same team. I definitely play for him.”

Guy Gaudreau Takes the Ice After the Game

After the game, the Flames awarded Johnny the first star of the game.

Johnny’s father, Guy, was helped on the ice by a Flames guard Rasmus Andersson and the Flames forward Mikael Backlund acknowledging the difference – much to the surprise of Guy’s wife, Jane, who was watching from a chair.

Jane seemed to close her mouth in surprise, before the tears fell from her eyes.

Guy was welcomed back into the Flames locker room after the game, where he was given the game.

Meredith Gaudreau Shows Off New Tattoo

During an interview with Sportsnet before the game, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, revealed that he will leave Calgary with new ink.

“I got a tattoo today,” Meredith said. “I got his autograph because I thought that’s where it all started.”

Meredith said she “got a really nice signature that she did,” which she wrote on her right wrist.

“I’ve never had a tattoo before, so I was nervous,” he admitted. “But I love you so much.”