Johnny Gaudreau left a massive impact on the Calgary Flames, and Calgary in general. He inspired lots of young kids to play hockey. Inspired a new era of Flames fans. He also brought back a lot of fans who lost interest after the previous era ended. In every aspect, Johnny was Calgary. Family values. Kindness. Hard work. Passion. And a couple of sweet dangles here and there.
Gaudreau’s impact in Calgary
His accolades speak for themselves. Gaudreau is fifth all-time in Flames franchise history with 609 points in 602 games played. His 115-point season in 2021–22 is second only to Kent Nilson’s 131 points in 1980–81. But there was a superstar factor with Gaudreau that this city needed and adored. After the Iginla/Kiprusoff era ended, there were some dark times in Calgary. But Gaudreau brought a new era of excitement to this city.
He grabbed our attention when he scored a goal in his first NHL game. Then he impressed us all with his rookie 2014–15 season. He played a big role in the Flames surprising the league and stealing a playoff spot. Then, the team continued to surprise and beat the Vancouver Canucks in Round One. Fast forward to his last season in Calgary, he dazzled us in 2021–22 with an astounding 115 points. Then, he emboldened himself in our hearts by scoring the series winner in overtime against Dallas.
Without Gaudreau, are the Flames still in Calgary? The question must be asked. In some ways, I think his dazzling highlights saved the franchise. I’m sure the Houston Flames rumours would have only grown stronger without a talent like Johnny Hockey carrying them on his back. He meant so much to this city. This is easily demonstrated by the memorial set up outside the Saddledome:
Thousands of fans attended his candlelight vigil, which was a heartwarming event put on by the team.
Johnny meant so much to this city, and so did his family. I remember seeing Johnny’s dad, Guy, fist-bumping fans before games. They were a recognizable and loveable family. None better than them being in the building to watch their son score 100 NHL points in a season:
Gaudreau’s impact transcends the NHL
Beyond just the fans, athletes around the world have shown their support. Some recent examples include former Calgary Stampeder Alex Singleton wearing Gaudreau’s jersey before his NFL game, and WWE wrestler Sami Zayn wearing it right in the Saddledome in the most recent episode of Monday Night Raw.
The question should be if, not when, the Flames retire Johnny Gaudreau’s number
The question should not be if the Flames retire Gaudreau’s number. It should be when they do it. And that question should be answered whenever the Gaudreau family is ready. The Flames play the Blue Jackets in Columbus on November 29. Then, the Blue Jackets play the Flames in Calgary on December 3rd. That makes sense for retirements/honours in both cities if the family is ready. Again, it’s all up to them. No one can imagine what they are going through. It’s an incomprehensible tragedy.
Whenever it happens, it’s only fitting that the #13 should hang in the rafters forever. And I don’t think there will be a dry eye in the arena during the retirement ceremony.
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