In the world of professional sports, camaraderie often extends beyond the boundaries of the field. This spirit of solidarity was evident when Philadelphia Flyers' head coach John Tortorella and the team rallied around Guy Gaudreau, following a tragic accident that took the lives of his sons, John and Matthew Gaudreau, on August 29.
An Unthinkable Tragedy
John and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver, just a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container. This devastating event has left the Gaudreau family, and those who knew them, grappling with unimaginable loss. "No one can imagine. No one can," said Tortorella, reflecting on the tragedy. "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."
Supporting Each Other
In the wake of this tragedy, Tortorella has taken steps to offer support and solace to Guy Gaudreau, who has a long history of mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey. Tortorella invited Gaudreau to join the Flyers' practice sessions, believing that being part of the team environment could offer him therapeutic relief. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella shared.
The first session with Gaudreau assisting in drills went well, according to Tortorella. "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," he noted. The aim is for Gaudreau to feel included, not just as a token gesture, but as a valued contributor. "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 added.
A Community That Cares
Within the Flyers' organization, Gaudreau's reputation as a mentor and his deep connections with youth players have made his presence significant. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella mentioned. By integrating Gaudreau into their practice sessions, the Flyers hope to offer some solace in the wake of his profound loss. "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," Tortorella observed.
Fond Memories and Lasting Legacies
John Gaudreau, who signed a seven-year, $68 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 after eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, and his brother Matthew leave behind a legacy that continues to resonate with their family and the broader hockey community. Tortorella's decision to attend the brothers' funeral last month in a Philadelphia suburb is a testament to the close-knit relationships that often form within the professional hockey world.
Meredith Gaudreau, widow of John Gaudreau, poignantly expressed what this support means to the family. "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," she said.
The Philadelphia Flyers' gesture towards Guy Gaudreau shows that the essence of sportsmanship stretches beyond victory and defeat, reaching into the realms of empathy and community support. As Tortorella and his team continue to integrate Gaudreau into their practice sessions, they highlight the importance of standing together as a family—on and off the ice.