The city of Calgary and, on a greater scale, the entire hockey community is in mourning today after news surfaced late last night of the demise of former Flame Johnny Gaudreau as well as his brother Matthew.
The two were struck by a drunk driver while bicycling in Salem, New Jersey. They were in town to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Johnny, 31, was much more than just a hockey player in Calgary. He became a beacon of hope after decades of melancholic mediocrity.
He served as someone to look forward to watching when you turned on the game. He gave back to the community through multiple charities – KidSport was his go-to. He brought his family here and shared a chapter of his life with us. He couldn’t have left the organization in more dramatic fashion, but it was going to take much more than an awkward departure to lose the love of the city he so inspired.
Johnny Gaudreau getting startled by the Columbus Blue Jackets’ cannon when he was on the road with the Flames is easily my favorite moment of his career. #Flames#CBJpic.twitter.com/ko8ULzN85n
From his high-flying years dominating the NCAA with Boston College. Pardon the video quality.
To his 24 goal, 64 point rookie season in 2014-2015.
To him finally showing us exactly how good he could be in 2021-2022 when he put up 40 goals and 115 points.
This is one of my fav Johnny Gaudreau moments, scoring the Game 7 OT winner vs Dallas to clinch the battle of Alberta in the second round pic.twitter.com/4ESui4y684
He was a father, a husband, a brother, and a son. Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, his daughter, Noa, and his son, Johnny, who was born in Columbus.
If you feel like it, leave a memory. For this writer, his absolute tenacity against the Ducks during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs is, for some reason, what comes to mind. With all of the hype of beating the Canucks amid a season as surprise competitors, the veteran-loaded Ducks laid a beating on the Flames, defeating Calgary in five.
Gaudreau led the team in points that postseason as a rookie with four goals and five assists for nine points in 11 games — despite taking a physical beating himself.
Johnny was constantly told that his size would keep him from achieving his ultimate goal of reaching the NHL. He proved every single one of his doubters wrong in such style. A big smile and a loaded scoresheet at the end of the night. Gaudreau managed to rally an entire city with just a pair of skates and a hockey stick on so many occasions.
He will be missed.
Man the Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau news is absolutely gutting
Gaudreau & Monahan were one of my favourite duos when they were in Calgary. I was really looking forward to them reuniting in Columbus
The whole hockey world will miss you Johnny & Matthew ❤️
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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