The Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets came together on Tuesday night to honor the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in an emotionally charged first matchup between the teams in Calgary since the tragic deaths of the brothers in August.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, both beloved figures in the hockey community, were tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident on August 29, when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver while biking in Salem County, New Jersey. Johnny, 31, was a renowned NHL All-Star who spent his first nine seasons with the Flames before joining the Blue Jackets for his final two seasons. Matthew, 29, was Johnny’s brother and a key figure in his life. The loss sent shockwaves through the hockey world, particularly for those who knew the Gaudreau family and their profound impact on the game.
Tuesday’s game offered the Flames a meaningful opportunity to pay tribute to Johnny in front of their home crowd. The Blue Jackets, who had previously honored Gaudreau during their home opener in October, joined the Flames in recognizing his legacy. Gaudreau had made All-Star appearances with both franchises, leaving a significant mark on each.
The pregame ceremony in Calgary featured a video montage that celebrated Johnny Gaudreau’s nine seasons with the Flames, showcasing his accomplishments and the deep connection he shared with the city. During warmups, players from both teams wore jerseys commemorating Gaudreau’s contributions to the sport. The emotional tribute was further amplified by the presence of the Gaudreau family, including Johnny’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, and their father, Guy Gaudreau. Also in attendance were several other family members, all gathered to honor the legacy of both brothers.
A poignant moment came before the game with a ceremonial puck drop, where members of both teams surrounded the Gaudreau family to show their respect. Meredith Gaudreau spoke with Sportsnet ahead of the game, where she revealed a heartfelt tribute to her late husband—she had a tattoo of Johnny’s autograph inked on her forearm as a permanent reminder of their love.
In addition to the ceremony, the Gaudreau family unveiled the first of six benches crafted from hockey sticks, each one commemorating Johnny and Matthew’s lives and legacy. The benches, which will be placed around Calgary, were constructed using sticks repurposed from a memorial service held in September. Each bench will have a plaque honoring the brothers’ memory, serving as lasting symbols of the impact they had on their community.
Meredith Gaudreau expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Calgary community, calling it “amazing.” She spoke about how deeply moved she had been by the tributes, noting that Calgary had truly become a second home for their family.
The Gaudreau family’s presence added a personal touch to the evening, with Guy Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew’s father, holding his grandson Johnny Jr. during the game. Guy, who had coached hockey at the high school level, was also honored as an honorary coach with the Flames for the week, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His role on the bench was a symbolic gesture, showing that the bond between the Gaudreau family and the Calgary Flames remains strong despite the heartbreaking loss.
“It’s hard, but we want to do what we can to support them and show them that we really appreciate what the whole family did for us here in Calgary,” said Flames captain Mikael Backlund, expressing the sentiments of his team and the city. The tribute was a heartfelt reminder that, despite the loss, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s influence on Calgary and the broader hockey community remains an enduring part of the city’s identity.
The night was both a somber and celebratory occasion, honoring the lives of two brothers whose impact on the sport and the people around them will never be forgotten. For those who had the privilege of knowing the Gaudreaus, their legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans, players, and the Calgary community.
