Friday, August 30 was a tragic day for the hockey world, as it was announced that former Calgary Flame Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau passed away due to careless actions from a drunk driver. The city of Calgary has felt eerie and quiet since, and Flames fans have set up a memorial for the former Flame at the steps of the west entrance of the Scotiabank Saddledome. It’s clear how much Gaudreau meant to the city of Calgary, and it still doesn’t feel real that he is gone.
Over the past couple of days, I have been watching as many Gaudreau highlights as I can, to reminisce on the memories he has given us, and I don’t think I am the only Flames fan doing this. We asked our readers, what is your favourite Gaudreau moment?
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @wincolumnCGY. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
Johnny Defence
Johnny Gaudreau was an incredible offensive talent, there is no question about that. However, at times when his production seemed to be a bit drier than usual, Gaudreau would receive criticism, and something that would always come up is how he never plays defence. That’s what makes this clip so much more special to me.
The puck seems to be lost when the Flames try to enter the offensive zone, but Gaudreau doesn’t give up on the play, and once Dan Hamhuis gains possession and is about to send a breakout pass down the ice, Gaudreau creeps up behind him and stick lifts him. It was his defensive play that allowed him to score this goal.
Johnny’s appearance with the “On the Bench” boys
I honestly forgot about this video, but it is absolute gold. My favourite part is how awkward the ending is when Gaudreau gets his stick taken away from the On the Bench Boys, and then gets left hanging for a fist bump.
Work in the Community
Gaudreau was always an exceptional contributor on the ice, however he was also a big contributor to the community in Calgary. During his time with the Flames, he always took part in community events and initiatives.
Here is just one example from Leesa, where he stayed to sign autographs for kids playing minor hockey. I’m sure many dreams came true from him signing these autographs, and these will be memories that last a lifetime for the kids.
Gaudreau was a fan favourite in Calgary, especially with the kids. Here is another example where Aaron’s daughter left Gaudreau the sweetest message.
Gaudreau to Jagr
I remember this play so well. The fans were waiting for hockey legend Jaromir Jagr to score his first goal as a Calgary Flame, and of course, the assist on the goal came from one of the NHL’s best playmakers. Hearing the crowd slowly get louder and louder in anticipation when they see Gaudreau and Jagr going up the ice on a two-on-one, they knew they were about to witness something special.
Gaudreau’s 100th Point
What a special moment this was. The fans were eagerly waiting for Gaudreau to finally hit the century mark. Especially because he came so close to it in 2018–19, where he recorded 99 points. I remember when he was at 95 points, I honestly didn’t even care if the Flames won their games or not. I just wanted every Flames player to give the puck to Gaudreau so he could get to 100.
What makes this clip even more amazing is seeing his parents’ reaction to his 100th point in the stands, and seeing Matthew Tkachuk instantly point to Gaudreau as soon as the puck goes in the net.
He finished with 115 points that season. Because 100 just wasn’t good enough for him of course.
Game 7, OT winner against Dallas
This moment made up most of the replies to the tweet, and it is no surprise. I was lucky enough to be at this game, and I don’t think I have ever been so stressed before in my life. I was driving to the game with my sister, and we said a grand total of zero words to each other while in the car. At least I said zero words to her. I honestly don’t remember if she said anything to me. I was too stressed.
Then, after I parked, I met up with my cousin and his wife in the parking lot to walk to the arena. I think I said maybe three words to them that whole walk. Something along the lines of “Hi, let’s go”.
You could feel the nerves in the arena all throughout the game, but especially in overtime. My heart rate was at a concerning level. The Flames were on the brink of elimination, and one goal was going to decide their fate. The Flames were playing incredibly against the Dallas Stars, but they just couldn’t get the puck past Jake Oettinger. But, finally, in overtime, Gaudreau came to save the day, and I and the 19,288 others, lost our minds.
And of course, he scored it from a sharp angle on the left side of the offensive zone. A shot he would seem to take at least once a game.
The loud pop from the fans once Gaudreau scored is something I will always remember. You could literally feel the building shake. I have never experienced anything like it. This is a memory I will always remember for the rest of my life, as will every Flames fan.
Game tying goal against the Ducks
The OT winner against the Stars wasn’t the only clutch goal Gaudreau scored. Nine years ago, playing in his rookie season in the league, Gaudreau scored a goal that had fans realize how special of a talent he was, if they didn’t realize it already. With 20 seconds left, Gaudreau sniped a shot short side past Frederik Andersen to tie the game at three.
The Flames went on the win this game in overtime with a goal from Mikael Backlund, but this wouldn’t have been possible without the clutch play from Gaudreau.
Some of my favourite moments
Also in his rookie season, in the Battle of Alberta, Gaudreau managed to score two goals in 16 seconds. His first goal saw him going backhand five hole—his patented move—with his second goal also going in five hole. He scored so fast that Beesley wasn’t even done announcing who scored the first goal before Gaudreau scored his second goal. Following the goal, fans started to chant “Johnny, Johnny, Johnny”.
Gaudreau could also be quite a goon when he wanted to be. Okay, maybe not, but the threat of him being a goon was always there. Just ask Dante Fabbro! There was a moment with Fabbro (who, mind you, is more than 20 pounds heavier than Gaudreau) that will always make me laugh.
Getting him to flinch not once, but twice? It’s incredible. It’s like when a little brother is threatening to fight his bigger and older brother.
Countless memories of Johnny Gaudreau
Gaudreau spent nine amazing years in Calgary, and every year was a special one. There are so many more memories that Gaudreau has given not only Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets fans, but hockey fans around the world. He was a player who was a hero to so many, and he showed that even when the odds aren’t in your favour, you always have a chance to fulfill your dream.
Thank you Johnny Gaudreau for everything you have done for the sport of hockey, and thank you for making me fall in love with the sport again when I was 13 years old. Even though your time on the Flames was shorter than I wanted it to be, you will always be one of my favourite Flames of all time and I will always cherish the special memories you gave us.
Life is precious, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Never miss an opportunity to tell the special people in your life that you love them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Matthew Gaudreau and Johnny Gaudreau.
You must be logged in to post a comment.