Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has welcomed Guy Gaudreau to assist with drills during practice, providing a poignant moment for a family still grappling with devastating loss. Guy Gaudreau, known for his years of mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, now brings his expertise to the Flyers' training sessions.
Gaudreau's entry onto the practice ice comes under heartbreaking circumstances. John and Matthew Gaudreau, his sons, were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29, just a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver involved is facing numerous charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container.
Standout athlete John Gaudreau spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets on a prominent seven-year, $68 million deal in 2022. After their tragic deaths, the Flyers community has extended its embrace to the Gaudreau family.
A Special Invitation
John Tortorella, who attended the brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb last month, saw an opportunity to support Guy Gaudreau by involving him in Flyers’ activities. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella explained. Indeed, integrating Guy Gaudreau into the Flyers' practice seemed to ease him after a period of profound mourning.
Tortorella believed allowing Gaudreau to participate actively could serve a therapeutic purpose. "I think it worked out really well today. I gave him my camp book," Tortorella mentioned, indicating that this involvement was not a mere formality but a meaningful engagement. "We're going to check in next week and see if we can get him out here a couple more times and have him be part of it."
Building Strong Bonds
Guy Gaudreau's involvement underscores the deep connections within the hockey community. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella said, highlighting that Gaudreau is a respected figure known for his mentorship and dedication to young athletes.
The coach emphasized that the connection was meant to be beneficial for Gaudreau in the long run. "I don't want it to be, 'Just come out here.' I want him to be part of it. I think it will be therapeutic for him to be around us and run some drills," Tortorella noted, reflecting on the healing power of camaraderie and shared passion.
Gaudreau's family has appreciated these gestures. Meredith Gaudreau, John Gaudreau's widow, remarked, "John & Matty would love this. They're both so proud of their dad, I know this made them smile as they watched down from heaven."
The Larger Impact
The Flyers' gesture extends beyond just welcoming Guy Gaudreau to practice; it signifies a broader effort to support the grieving family. "I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves. No one can imagine. No one can," Tortorella reflected on the indomitable spirit of Meredith Gaudreau and her household.
As the hockey world reels from the loss of John and Matthew Gaudreau, the Flyers aim to envelop the remaining family members in a supportive network. "I think a number of coaches want to get to know the family, the girls, Matt's family. It's just horrible what happened. It's still pretty fresh. It's here. It's with us. Down the street. We just want to be part of it and try and help," Tortorella elaborated, expressing a commitment to community and compassion.
Tortorella’s initiative to include Gaudreau extends beyond the rink, as he acknowledged the sensitive nature of their involvement. "We don't want it to be an everyday story. We just want to help. To be in a locker room, coach to coach, player to coach, guys talking to him, I just hope it helps a little bit," he said.
The Philadelphia Flyers' support is a beacon of solidarity and strength, aimed at providing solace and standing as a testament to the tightly-knit bonds that define the hockey community.