Before their first meeting in Calgary of the 2024–25 NHL season, the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets came together to honor their late former teammate, Johnny Gaudreau, in an emotional pre-game ceremony. Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August, left behind a legacy that transcended both franchises, and the teams used the occasion to celebrate the life of the beloved player.
Gaudreau, known to fans as “Johnny Hockey,” was a key player for both Calgary and Columbus during his remarkable 11-year NHL career. To honor his memory, players from both teams warmed up wearing Gaudreau’s number 13 jersey before the game on Tuesday.
The sight of two teams uniting in tribute, dressed in his familiar jersey, was a powerful and moving reminder of the impact he had on teammates, fans, and the sport.
A Tragic Loss
Johnny Gaudreau was just 31 years old when he and his brother Matthew, 29, lost their lives in a biking accident in New Jersey this past summer. The brothers were celebrating their sister’s wedding when they were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver.
The sudden tragedy shocked the hockey world, leaving both players, fans, and the community mourning the loss of a vibrant player who had brought so much passion to the game.
Gaudreau’s death left a profound void in both the Flames and Blue Jackets organizations.
He was not only known for his on-ice skill but also for his kindness, leadership, and camaraderie with his teammates. The ceremony in Calgary was designed to reflect the love and respect both teams and fans had for Gaudreau and to give his family a special moment to remember him.
Honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s Legacy
The tribute continued with an incredibly touching ceremonial puck drop. The Flames and Blue Jackets invited Gaudreau’s family to join them at center ice for the special moment.
Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jane, his sisters, Katie and Kristen, and his wife, Meredith, along with their children, Noa and Johnny Jr., were all present for the ceremony. The entire rosters of both teams lined up along the benches, standing in solidarity with the family, who were visibly moved by the display of support.
RELATED: NHL Journalist Faces Backlash Over Insensitive Johnny Gaudreau Comment
As the family took their place at center ice, fans were asked to shine their cell phone flashlights as a way of collectively supporting the Gaudreau family.
The stadium filled with a sea of light, creating a breathtaking scene as thousands of small lights shone in tribute.
The sight was both beautiful and poignant, symbolizing the enduring impact that Johnny Gaudreau had on the hockey community and the way he illuminated the sport for so many.
The tribute to Gaudreau was not just about his contributions on the ice but also a reflection of the person he was off the rink. He had touched the lives of countless people, from teammates to fans, with his genuine and generous spirit.
Tuesday’s ceremony was a heartfelt way for everyone to honor his memory and show their love and appreciation for his family during an incredibly difficult time.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Hockey Career
Johnny Gaudreau’s journey in hockey was extraordinary. He rose to prominence as a star at Boston College, where he was awarded the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in 2014, an honor given to the top men’s college ice hockey player in the United States.
Gaudreau’s dynamic playing style and offensive prowess made him an instant fan favorite and set the stage for an impactful NHL career.
He spent eight full seasons with the Calgary Flames, where he became one of the league’s most exciting players, known for his speed, playmaking ability, and knack for scoring highlight-reel goals.
In 2022, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he continued to make an impact on the ice, contributing both offensively and as a mentor to younger players. His versatility and heart made him a beloved figure in both cities.
Gaudreau’s brother Matthew also had a notable hockey career, playing for Boston College from 2011 to 2014, before spending time in the AHL and ECHL.
The two brothers shared a love for the game that brought them closer and defined their lives. Their bond and shared passion for hockey made Johnny’s death even more heartbreaking for those who knew them.
A Legacy of Love and Passion
Johnny Gaudreau’s contributions to hockey went beyond his talent on the ice. He was a leader, a mentor, and a friend. His passion for the game was infectious, and he inspired countless young players who aspired to follow in his footsteps. The emotional ceremony in Calgary was not only a celebration of his career but also a testament to the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.
As both teams stood alongside Gaudreau’s family, it was evident that his legacy would live on in the memories of those who watched him play, those who played alongside him, and those who loved him. The tribute captured the essence of what makes hockey such a special sport—the sense of community, family, and unity that goes beyond the competition on the ice.
Moving Forward with Gaudreau in Their Hearts
The ceremony was a reminder that even in the midst of competition, the hockey community is a family that comes together to support each other through the highs and lows.
For both the Flames and the Blue Jackets, the loss of Johnny Gaudreau has been a shared sorrow, but also a source of strength, as they carry his spirit forward in every game they play.
Johnny Gaudreau’s presence will be deeply missed in arenas across the league, but his legacy of passion, dedication, and love for hockey will continue to inspire. As the Flames and Blue Jackets move forward this season, they do so with heavy hearts but also with a sense of purpose, carrying with them the memory of a player who embodied the joy of the game.
Gaudreau’s story is a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how important it is to cherish every moment.
The emotional pre-game ceremony was a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the sport, and whose light will continue to shine through the players, fans, and family he leaves behind.
It was a moment of reflection, love, and remembrance—a chance for everyone to honor Johnny Gaudreau’s life and legacy.
