CALGARY — Sandwiched between Rasmus Andersson and Mikael Backlund, who were arm in arm with the father of their dear friend, Guy Gaudreau fought through the emotion of an unforgettable evening to bare his soul.
On a night which revolved entirely around allowing the team, the fans and the city a chance to honour Johnny Gaudreau and his visiting family, Guy’s son had just been named first star in a 3-0 win.
Asked on the Sportsnet broadcast for a few words, Guy responded much like his son so often did, with brilliance.
“These two guys, and the team, and the city have always loved my son,” said Guy, buoyed by the love and support showered upon him all evening.
“I know if he’s looking down he’s smiling, happy that these guys played hard for him. It’s been a hard time for my family, but these guys are hurting too, you know, and they’ve got to play. The way they played tonight, with heavy hearts, was pretty impressive to me.
“I love these guys, and a lot of the guys in the locker room, and it was fun to watch them perform the way they did.
“At centre ice when they dropped the puck, Backs here, and Monny (Sean Monahan) are both bawling, and I’m crying, like, ‘how are they going to play a hockey game?’ I couldn’t barely get up the stairs. These are tough guys, and they’re great hockey players, and I’m proud of them. John’s looking down at them and proud of them also.”
From the chilling, “John-ny Hock-ey” chants in the final minute to a pre-game warmup that featured 40 no. 13s on the ice, the Flames’ 13th home game of the season dripped with all the emotion and tributes befitting the moment.
An opening video tribute in which George Canyon’s slow, acoustic version of Johnny B. Goode provided a stirring backdrop, was followed by a standing ovation made only louder when both the Flames and Blue Jackets gathered around the Gaudreau family for a puck drop ceremony that brought everyone to tears.
Shortly after Johnny and brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver while cycling on a rural road in late August, a love-in like this was in the works, sparked by the seismic outpouring of support shown on and around the Saddledome stairs.
On Tuesday, the city was given a chance to wrap its arms around the family in person.
They felt it, just as they did back in Jersey while watching the candlelight vigil at which 10,000 fans showed up.
“It was both healing and very therapeutic to come back,” said Johnny’s mom, Jane, doing well to hold it together for an intermission chat with Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie.
“Just to see everyone and know everyone really cared for us, and not just John, our whole family was really welcomed and it just meant so much to us.”
She said people stopped them in hallways and at the mall in Calgary, thanking them for coming back.
“But we want to thank them for welcoming John and us to their wonderful city,” she said, clutching a Johnny Hockey friendship bracelet given to her by a fan.
Guy said a ride with Matt Stajan earlier in the day included a heartwarming exchange at a stoplight.
“A gentleman rolled his window down and said, ‘hey, welcome home Guy,’” he smiled.
“It was really special.”
“It’s nice to have people hug you and tell you they love you.
My son John loved it here, and created something here, and our family, we love it here.”
As they finished their interview on the concourse level, fans screamed, “we love you,” and applauded the duo that became such familiar faces during Johnny’s nine years in town.
One day earlier, the unveiling of a bench made by season ticket holder Murray Ledene out of sticks from the memorial was powerful for the family, who watched with tears as Johnny’s kids, Noa and Johnny Jr., sat on it.
It prompted Guy to ask for a template so he too can make benches for Jersey rinks like the one he ran and taught Johnny how to skate in.
Johnny’s pregnant wife, Meredith, revealed before the game that her emotional return to Calgary included her first tattoo on Tuesday, a copy of Johnny’s autograph on her wrist.
So many other things here this week will leave a mark, including the significance of the game stars, who just happened to be Gaudreau’s closest of teammates.
There was Andersson, scoring the game-winner, on a pass from Backlund, as Blake Coleman screened the goalie.
Andersson, whose daughter was babysat by the Gaudreau’s at Andrew Mangiapane’s summertime wedding, immediately pointed up at the family, later saying it was the most emotional goal of his life.
Another Gaudreau teammate, Dan Vladar, earned the shutout while wearing a mask customized just for the game. It included pictures of Johnny and Matthew selected by their wives.
It’s destined for a charity auction, reminding everyone once again the gifts of Johnny Gaudreau keep on giving.
“Lots of emotions,” said Vladar of an evening that opened with a heaviness few will forget.
“At that point you don’t really want to play hockey, but then you remember how Johnny always wanted to play hockey with a smile on, so this one’s for him.
“It was a huge honour to have those guys on both sides.”
Honouring was what the night was all about, and from start to finish the city, the team, the organization and the family all did themselves proud.
“It’s unbelievable to see them here, and it’s such a special night,” said Andersson.
“I hope everyone felt how loved Johnny was, and still is. It’s a night I’ll never forget.”
He’s not alone, which is exactly what a night like Tuesday was designed to demonstrate to a family and a hockey community.
It shows the best way to heal is by being together.