Meredith Gaudreau fjshdkfjshdkfshkhds — The Gaudreau family received tribute in Calgary ahead of their game against the Blue Jackets. (Source: Getty Images)

"Was hard being there without him": Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith reminisces return trip to Calgary

Modified Dec 06, 2024 16:34 GMT

It has been an emotional last seven days for the Gaudreaus as tributes poured in for their beloved Johnny, from not just one but two cities. After Columbus hosted Calgary at home last Saturday, the fixture was repeated on Wednesday with the Flames hosting this time.

The Gaudreaus traveled to the city of Calgary where they were met with warmth. Johnny always considered the place to be his home and the people of the city gave him back plenty over the years.

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith penned a heartfelt message after the family returned from Calgary. She thanked the fans for the immense support they received while also acknowledging that it was a tough moment for the family to be there without her husband.

"So thankful for this past week in Calgary and soooo grateful for John for giving me this community. Was hard being there without him but feeling the outpouring love from the city filled my broken heart," Meredith wrote on X.

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Johnny and his brother Matthew lost their lives in an unfortunate accident in late August. The brothers were killed while cycling in a county in New Jersey when a drunk truck driver ran over them.

Johnny Gaudreau's death had sent shockwaves across the city of Calgary. The winger spent his first nine seasons in the NHL with the Flames where he became a local hero. He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in his final two years. Thus making the first two meetings between the two clubs extremely poignant.

Flames celebrate the life of 'Johnny Hockey' with emotional tributes

Before their game on Wednesday, Johnny's father Guy was invited to the Flames' practice session. Guy, a high-school hockey coach, skated around the rink with Johnny's former teammates and even had a heartfelt conversation with one of his closest friends in the team, Rasmus Andersson.

Both teams had their pre-game warmup in the iconic #13 jerseys the winger wore for them. The Flames then gave him a video tribute. They also had a ceremonial face-off puck drop ceremony that involved the Gaudreaus. They were joined by players from opposite sides who surrounded the family in honor.

Andersson would dedicate his goal to his friend while the Calgary crowd shouted 'Johnny Hockey' as the game clock wore out. The Flames also dedicated a bench in a local community rink made from the sticks received at Johnny's memorial.