In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, the Philadelphia Flyers community has come together to support one of its own. Head coach John Tortorella is extending a hand of camaraderie and compassion to Guy Gaudreau, a figure familiar to many within the organization, following the heartbreaking loss of his sons, John and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29.
Guy Gaudreau, known for mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, joined the Flyers to assist with practice drills. Tortorella emphasized the importance of integrating Gaudreau into the team's activities on his own terms. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella remarked.
A Therapeutic Involvement
Tortorella believes that participating in the Flyers' practice sessions could serve as a form of therapy for Gaudreau. "I think it will be therapeutic for him to be around us and run some drills," Tortorella said. He shared that he handed Gaudreau his camp book during practice, adding, "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."
Bringing Gaudreau into the fold is more than a gesture of kindness; it's a recognition of his reputation and contributions to the sport. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella noted. This integration extends beyond professional respect, touching on a personal level. "I want him to be part of it," emphasized Tortorella.
A Family Grieves
The tragic deaths of John and Matthew occurred just one day before their sister Katie's wedding, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion. The driver responsible for the crash is facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container.
Tortorella, who attended the Gaudreau brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb last month, was moved by the strength of the family, particularly the widows of John and Matthew. "I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves. No one can imagine. No one can," he shared. He expressed a desire to get to know the Gaudreau family better, adding, "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."
A Lifelong Legacy
John Gaudreau, who spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Calgary Flames, signed a seven-year, $68 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. His widow, Meredith Gaudreau, expressed a poignant sentiment: "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."
For Tortorella and the Flyers, the goal is not to turn this support into a spectacle but to offer genuine assistance. "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 stated.
In a community bound by the rigors and passion of professional hockey, these gestures of support highlight the deep connections that transcend the game. The Flyers' initiative to bring Guy Gaudreau into their practices is a testament to the tight-knit nature of the hockey world, where personal loss is shared, and healing is a collective effort.
As the Flyers move forward, Guy Gaudreau's involvement will undoubtedly carry the spirit of his late sons. The team’s solidarity with the Gaudreau family exemplifies the profound human element that exists within sports, where the impact of relationships extends far beyond the ice.