Watch: Gaudreau family's raw reaction to first bench made from 27 hockey sticks left at Johnny Gaudreau's Flames memorial

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 03, 2024 06:26 GMT

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The Gaudreau family's reaction to the first memorial bench made from 27 hockey sticks left at Johnny Gaudreau’s Flames memorial was filled with gratitude. The bench was unveiled this week in Calgary. It was fitting that Johnny’s children, Noa and Johnny Jr., were the first to sit on it.

The bench has an inscription that reads:

"In Loving Memory of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau. This bench was handcrafted using hockey sticks left by the C of Red on the steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome in tribute to Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau. May their memory live on forever."

The memorial on the steps of the Saddledome was created by fans after the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers were killed in a suspected drunk-driving accident while riding their bikes in New Jersey in August. The new benches will keep their memory alive for years to come.

Candice Goudie, executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation, spoke about the importance of including the Gaudreau family in the tribute.

"It’s really important to share this with, obviously the family, but also everyone in the community. The outpouring of support and love after that was tremendous and it was overwhelming and a really special thing.” Goudie said (via calgaryherald.com).

The benches are only one part of the Foundation’s efforts. Other items left at the memorial are being put to good use. 124 donated hockey jerseys will be made into blankets for charity. 103 stuffed toys will be donated to Parachutes for Pets for their Lily & Dexter’s Legacy program. 1,600 purple sports drink bottles will be recycled for KidSport Calgary’s program.

Fans also left 105,563 Skittles, Johnny’s favorite candy. The Foundation is donating $0.13 for each Skittle to the Calgary Food Bank, totaling $13,723. All proceeds from the 50/50 draw during the Flames’ game will go to KidSport Calgary, a cause Johnny supported.

Flames have invited Johnny Gaudreau's family for their tribute night

Johnny Gaudreau's family will be present on tribute night, Dec. 3, at Scotiabank Saddledome, where the Flames will play the Blue Jackets at home. Earlier they were greeted warmly by Blue Jackets during Friday's game at Nationwide Arena. The Flames will now honor Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

Johnny's wife, Meredith, shared pictures of their children on Instagram. One photo showed their son, Baby Johnny, getting ready for the trip, and another showed their daughter Noa dressed as an “Ice Princess.”

Earlier Johnny’s mother, Jane, thanked the Flames for inviting the family.

“We are deeply grateful to the Flames organization for inviting us back." Jane said.

Johnny Gaudreau played for the Flames for nine seasons before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022.