Photo Credits: FNG’s Rob Windfelder
The Philadelphia Flyers honored the family and memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the start of Saturday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Many members of the Gaudreau family stood at center ice as Guy Gaudreau, father of Matthew and Johnny, dropped the ceremonial first puck.
Many were wearing hockey jerseys from Cloucester Catholic which is where the boys went to school. Johnny also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets so it was all very fitting and beautiful. The ceremony was a great reminder of how even such a competitive sport can bring people close together. Hockey is full of great life lessons and it builds bonds that last forever. Chants of “Johnny Hockey” echoed from the rafters as the family left the ice.
The Gaudreau family has been a big part of the hockey community here in the Philadelphia area. The community here in the Philly/Jersey area is great, and it’s great because of families like the Gaudreaus and many others who do their best to create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Matthew and Johnny were tragically taken on August 29th of this year because of a drunk driving incident. The incident took place in Salem County NJ the day before they were to take part in their sister’s wedding. Please be safe this holiday season. Remember every human life is precious. Don’t make a mistake that you can never fix when other options are so easily available. Be smart, be kind, do the right thing.
