The family of the late Johnny Gaudreau made an emotional return to the city where he earned the moniker “Johnny Hockey.”
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 struck and killed by a drunk driver on August 29 — made their first trip to Calgary since the tragedy, which also took the life of Johnny’s younger brother, Matthew.
The night was incredibly moving from start to finish, with Johnny’s entire family — his parents, Guy and Jane, his wife, Meredith, his two children, Noa and Johnny, and his two sisters, Kristen and Katie — in attendance at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome.
Decked out in Flames jerseys with the name Gaudreau stitched across the back, the family shed cathartic tears throughout the evening, which paid homage to the mark Johnny left on both the Flames organization and the city of Calgary.
For the most emotional moments from the evening, keep reading.
Calgary Flames Tribute Video
Before the game, a tribute video set to a live, reimagined version of Chuck Berry’s song “Johnny B. Goode” played.
The video showcased some of the most memorable moments from Johnny’s time with the Flames, both 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,” an old quote from Johnny read. “Thank you for supporting me over the years, and for making my family a part of yours.”
Ceremonial Puck Drop
The entire Gaudreau family — including Johnny’s daughter Noa, 2, and son Johnny, 9 months — took to the ice for a ceremonial puck drop.
The family was surrounded by the rosters of both the Flames and Blue Jackets, leaving nary a dry eye in the arena.
Johnny’s mother, Jane, dropped a special hand-painted puck made and left outside the Saddledome by a young fan — one of many tributes left outside the arena as a makeshift memorial to the player in the wake of his death.
Sean Monahan Breaks Down in Tears
Johnny’s best friend, Sean Monahan, was the Blue Jackets’ representative for the ceremonial puck drop. Monahan, 30, couldn’t control his tears, as the hockey star was visibly emotional during the moment.
Monahan played with Johnny for nine seasons in Calgary. In July, Monahan signed a five-year deal with the Blue Jackets, which reunited the pair in Columbus.
“You try to carry on his legacy as much as you can,” Monahan told The Athletic before the game. “To do what he did (on the ice), I definitely can’t do that. But I’m trying to make him proud. We wanted to be back together, playing on the same team. I definitely play for him.”
Guy Gaudreau Takes the Ice After the Game
Following the game, the Flames rewarded Johnny with an honorary first star of the game.
Johnny’s father, Guy, was assisted onto the ice by Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Flames forward Mikael Backlund to acknowledge the distinction — which came as a surprise to Guy’s wife, Jane, who was watching from her seat.
Jane was seen covering her mouth in surprise, before tears began to well in her eyes.
Guy was also welcomed into the Flames locker room after the game, where he was given the game puck.
Meredith Gaudreau Shows Off New Tattoo
During an interview with Sportsnet before the game, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, revealed she’d be leaving Calgary with some fresh ink.
“I got a tattoo today,” Meredith said. “I got his autograph because I figured this is where it all kind of started.”
Meredith said she “found a really good signature he did,” which she tattooed onto her right wrist.
“I’ve never had a tattoo before, so I was a little nervous,” she admitted. “But I really love it.”
