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Details of Flames pre-game ceremony honouring Gaudreau revealed

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Dec 3 2024, 8:23 pm
Details of Flames pre-game ceremony honouring Gaudreau revealed

Tonight’s game between the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets will be one of the most emotional nights in the Saddledome’s history.

Prior to puck drop tonight, the Flames are going to honour the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who were tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver over the summer.

The Flames recently flew several members of the Gaudreau family into Calgary to be a part of the ceremony, while also having Johnny and Matthew’s father, Guy, take part in yesterday’s practice as well as today’s morning skate.

As reported today by Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, the Flames and Blue Jackets will take warmups wearing Gaudreau jerseys. The Flames are auctioning theirs off for MADD Canada and KidSport Calgary. Prior to puck drop, there will be a video tribute, giving fans an opportunity to show support for the Gaudreau family.

Francis also noted that proceeds from tonight’s 50/50 draw will also be directed to MADD Canada and KidSport Calgary.

Falling to the fourth round of the 2011 draft due to concerns about his size, Gaudreau emerged as a budding star in his rookie season with the Flames in 2014-15, finishing third in Calder Trophy voting with an impressive 64 points.

That was just the beginning of greatness, as Gaudreau quickly went on to become the Flames’ biggest offensive threat. He led them in scoring in six of the next seven seasons, capped off by a career-high 115 points in 2021-22. His 609 points in a Flames sweater rank fifth in franchise history.

Gaudreau chose to sign with the Blue Jackets as a free agent following his 115-point campaign and led them in scoring in each of his two seasons. They, too, have honoured his legacy, retiring his No. 13 jersey ahead of their home opener.

While tonight’s game won’t be easy for anybody to get through, it presents a great opportunity for Flames fans to show the Gaudreaus just how much they mean to the city of Calgary.

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