Philadelphia Flyers Offer Beautiful Gesture To Johnny Gaudreau’s Father After NHL Star’s Tragic Death

The NHL world suffered an unspeakable tragedy last month with the sudden passing of Columbus Blue Jackets superstar Johnny Gaudreau.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were cycling on the day before their sister’s wedding before they were both struck and killed by a drunk driver.

On Monday, the Philadelphia Flyers, who Gaudrea grew up a fan of in South Jersey, welcomed Johnny and Matthew’s father Guy to join them and participate in a preseason practice.

Guy Gaudreau was a longtime hockey coach at nearby Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School, where he helped coach both of his sons.

Flyers coach John Tortorella reached out to Guy following the death of his sons. On Monday, the pair met for the first time.

“I figured it’s perfect just to get him in with us,” Tortorella said. “He was hesitant at first and we kind of let him go at his timetable. I think it worked out really well today.”

Tortorella also offered Gaudreau and open invite to future practices.

“We’ll see if we can get him out here a couple more times and have him be part of it,” he said. “I want him to be part of it. … He’s a coach. It was great to have him here, and we’ll see where it goes.”

Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports that Gaudreau spent much of the two practice sessions watching from the side. But he gradually became more involved, encouraging players along the way.

“He was giving me s— that I was yelling at the players to skate harder,” Tortorella said. “He says, ‘You only have three lines out here, how much harder can they go?’ So, he’s paying attention.”

After the practice ended, each Flyers player made it a point to stop at center ice and shake hands with Gaudreau.

It was a lovely gesture from the organization as Gaudreau attempts to work through an unimaginable tragedy.