Why Johnny Hockey meant so much to Calgary
Zafir Nagji, Sports Editor |
On August 30, 2024, Calgary Flames fans were rocked with news that shook them to their core. Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver in New Jersey on the weekend of his sister’s wedding. Gaudreau left the city to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2022, but he had etched his place in the hearts of all Flames fans with his stellar play and joyful personality.
Gaudreau was drafted by the Flames in 2011 but wouldn’t make his debut for the squad until the final game of the 2013-14 season, scoring his first NHL goal on his first shot. In his first full season with the team in 2014-15, Johnny Hockey, as he was known by his supporters, became the first Flame to score more than 50 points since Jarome Iginla in 1996-97, ending the season with 64 points on 24 goals and 40 assists. That was good enough for third in Rookie of the Year voting, an All-Star game selection, and a place on the All-Rookie team.
Gaudreau went on to be selected in seven All-Star teams, five as a Calgary Flame and was the best player on Calgary’s playoff teams in the 2010s. The team had suffered after breaking up the core that led them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004, but Gaudreau’s offensive talents propelled the Flames to four Stanley Cup Playoff runs and gave Calgary hope that its team would continue to improve.
In 2022, Gaudreau left the Flames to play in Columbus, as he, his wife, and their two children wanted to be closer to their extended families. Calgary acquired Jonathan Huberdeau to fill the void and Gaudreau was never able to reignite the same offensive fire with the Blue Jackets. While happy to be in a new city, Gaudreau never failed to express his love and respect for the Alberta city where his career began.
“I feel so grateful to have been brought up in the Calgary Flames Organization, Gaudreau said in his farewell letter to Flames fans. “I hope the people of Calgary can remember me not only as a hockey player, but also as a good person with good values. Thank you for supporting me over these years, and for making my family a part of yours.”
Gaudreau was more than just a hockey player in Calgary, though. He was the hope fans clung to in the absence of arguably the most beloved player in franchise history in Iginla. Despite only having one championship, Flames fans expect greatness from their hockey team year in and year out. Gaudreau provided a sense of that and overtook other fan favourites for the number one spot in Calgarians’ hearts, overshadowing Sean Monahan and Mark Giordano in popularity.
That’s why, despite not having played for the team in white and red for two whole seasons, the news of his death had such an adverse effect on Cowtown. Fans organized a parade on 17th Avenue, reigniting the infamous “Red Mile” in his honour, and Flames GM Craig Conroy penned a beautiful tribute letter to the Gaudreau family.
“It became evident quickly that Johnny was raised the right way,” Conroy wrote. “That while he loved playing hockey, there was no comparison to the love for his family. The Gaudreaus are kind, generous, humble, and thoughtful people. A family who shared their son with us over nine years.”
“And we are extremely grateful. We are also grateful to witness Johnny become that same family man with Meredith by his side and a family of their own. We know of all his accomplishments, becoming a father and husband was by far the one he was proudest.”
Whether it be his on-ice performances or his out-of-stadium personality, Johnny Hockey proved he was more than just a professional athlete. He became the heart and soul of a team and its city, bringing its loyal, win-hungry fans their first semblance of joy since losing one of their favourite players of all time. The city gathered at the Saddledome to offer their condolences to the family and left flowers, purple Gatorade, and Flames memorabilia outside of the arena, etching him into the history books as one of the greatest players in franchise history and an honorary Calgarian.
