Sports: Blue Jackets Johnny Gaudreau funeral - Source: Imagn — Meredith recalls Johnny Gaudreau calling his dad "a crazy person" - Image Source: Imagn

Johnny Gaudreau called his dad Guy "a crazy person" after training sessions, recalls grieving widow Meredith

Modified Sep 24, 2024 06:21 GMT

Meredith Gaudreau, wife of late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, recalled how her father-in-law, Guy Gaudreau, was a dedicated hockey coach who pushed Johnny during intense training sessions.

Guy Gaudreau, father of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, served as a guest coach at the Philadelphia Flyers training camp on Monday, at the invitation of Flyers coach John Tortorella.

Johnny and his brother Matthew tragically died in a biking accident near their New Jersey home on August 29.

On her Instagram story, Meredith recalled how close Johnny and his father Guy used to be.

"He skated John all summer. Multiple times a week. And John would call me and say "my dad is a crazy person" after each session but then would call his dad later that night and say "hey pops, want to call for some ice tomorrow?"

Meredith expressed how proud she was of her father-in-law for continuing to passionately coach despite the immense grief of losing two sons.

She posted multiple stories showing Guy leading drills at the Flyers camp and memories of Johnny Gaudreau. Meredith also wrote:

“Coach Guy to most but dad to John and Matty. I know they’re both so proud”

Guy Gaudreau at Flyers practice - Source Meredith's Instagram

Flyers coach John Tortorella talks about Mat & Johnny Gaudreau's father Guy

Guy Gaudreau was an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Flyers Elite 14U AAA team in the 2021-22 season. Before that, he was the head coach at Gloucester Catholic from 2006 to 2018.

John Tortorella thought it would be meaningful to have Gaudreau take part in Flyers camp, saying:

"He's a coach and he's done some great work with some of the youth out here. I figured it's perfect to get him in with us." Tortorella said to media (as per NHL.com).

At first, Gaudreau was hesitant, but eventually joined the team on the ice. During practice, Gaudreau did not hold back from critiquing Tortorella's coaching methods.

"He's giving me [grief] that I was yelling at the players to skate harder," Tortorella remarked. "You've only got three lines out here how much harder can they go?' So, he's paying attention. It was good."

The players enjoyed having Gaudreau's presence on the ice, talking with him throughout practice and shaking his hand at the end. Tortorella hopes to have Gaudreau return for more sessions, wanting him to run drills and be an active part of camp.