Johnny Gaudreau to be honoured tonight as Flames take on Blue Jackets

The Calgary Flames will be paying tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew tonight before their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This emotional ceremony will take place on the same ice where Johnny made a lasting impact on the city’s hockey community.

Tragically, the Gaudreau brothers were killed by a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey in August, making this tribute even more poignant. A ceremonial puck drop and video montage will be shown before the game to honor Johnny’s legacy. Both teams will also wear special jerseys during warm-up as a sign of respect.

The entire Gaudreau family will be in attendance at the Saddledome for the first time since their heartbreaking loss. Guy Gaudreau, Johnny’s father, joined the Flames during practice as an honorary coach. Guy, who coached high school hockey in New Jersey for many years, shared some valuable tips with the players, bringing a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie to the team.

In addition to the on-ice tribute, the Gaudreau family participated in the unveiling of the first of several hockey stick benches that will be placed in local community arenas around Calgary. These benches, made from sticks collected from a memorial at the Saddledome, serve as a lasting tribute to Johnny and Matthew.

Former Flame Sean Monahan, who played alongside Johnny for eight seasons in Calgary before moving to Columbus, also joined the remembrance event. Monahan spoke highly of Johnny’s character, describing him as a humble superstar who has left a lasting impact on the city and the league.

The puck will drop at 7 p.m. for what will undoubtedly be an emotional and heartfelt evening as the Flames and Blue Jackets come together to honor the memory of the Gaudreau brothers.