It was a heartfelt moment at the Philadelphia Flyers' training camp on Monday when John Tortorella, the team's head coach, welcomed a special guest to the ice. Guy Gaudreau, the father of the late John and Matthew Gaudreau, joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice. This poignant gesture not only showcased the community spirit in the world of hockey but also underscored the indelible bond that unites the Flyers family.
As Guy Gaudreau stepped onto the ice at the training camp, the Flyers tapped their sticks in a moving show of appreciation. The former hockey coach, who had spent years mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, initially hesitated to accept Tortorella’s invitation. But given the circumstances and the support from the Flyers organization, Gaudreau decided to lend his expertise.
"He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella remarked. The head coach's approach was thoughtful, allowing Gaudreau to contribute at his own pace. The effort was meant to be therapeutic, providing some solace in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy.
Tragedy struck on August 29 when John and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles on a rural road in South Jersey. The incident occurred just a day before their sister Katie's wedding, casting a pall over what should have been a joyous occasion. The driver, who is facing multiple charges including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container, has forever altered the lives of the Gaudreau family.
John Gaudreau was a beloved figure in the hockey world, known by fans as "Johnny Hockey." He spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a seven-year, $68 million deal in 2022. His untimely death has left a void in both his family and the hockey community.
During practice, it was clear that Guy Gaudreau was not just a guest but an integral part of the Flyers' session. Tortorella even handed him his camp book, signifying the level of trust and respect afforded to him. "I think it worked out really well today. I gave him my camp book. 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," Tortorella said, emphasizing the importance of making Gaudreau feel genuinely included. "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."
The presence of Gaudreau at the camp resonated deeply with many in the organization. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella noted. The event also prompted the Flyers’ players and staff to engage more intimately with Gaudreau, each one recognizing the weight of his recent loss.
Tortorella, who attended the brothers' funeral last month in a Philadelphia suburb, expressed his desire to further connect with the grieving family. "I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves. No one can imagine. No one can. I'm hoping to get to know the family. 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."
Meredith Gaudreau, John Gaudreau's widow, took to social media to express her appreciation for Tortorella's gesture. Reflecting on the significance of the moment, she wrote, "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."
Despite the gravity of the situation, Tortorella aims to strike a balance between honoring the Gaudreau family's loss and maintaining a sense of normalcy in the team's daily operations. "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."
As the Flyers' training camp progresses, Gaudreau now holds an open invitation to return anytime he wishes. Tortorella, who only met Gaudreau on the first day of practice, already envisages a deeper involvement for him within the Flyers' community. This special integration not only provides healing for Gaudreau but also strengthens the communal ties within the Flyers, exemplifying the unifying power of sports in moments of profound sorrow.