Photo: Michael Fleetwood
Every season, fans of NHL clubs take to the road to support their favorite team, immersing themselves in “enemy territory” to take in hockey in a variety of venues and experience not only a great game of hockey, but a multitude of cities, competitive atmospheres, and fan experiences. In early December, NoVa Caps’ Michael Fleetwood did just that north of the border in Canada.
In early September, shortly after the senseless deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, I wrote a piece on the collective wave of grief and support shown not only by fans of both the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames (the two teams with which Johnny Gaudreau spent his NHL career), but the entire hockey community, with every fan of the game uniting in their lifting up of the families of the brothers, including their parents Guy and Jane, sisters Katie and Kristen, wives Meredith and Madeline, and children, including Matthew’s unborn son Tripp, due this month.
I said the following in that piece and it is a sentiment I firmly believe, even more so since making the trek to Calgary for the Flames’ game hosting Columbus; the night and atmosphere is something no one in the stands will forget:
“I have felt both immensely proud and heartbroken to be a fan of hockey…While the fire of competition burns when push comes to shove, it is the collective love of this great game that binds us all and has never wavered when we need it the most. It is my belief that no other sport comes close.”
My dad and I made the trek from the DMV (Virginia to be specific) and arrived to a city of Calgary freshly baptized by a blanket of snow and weather below freezing that set an almost-fitting tone for a night of hockey. The Flames had announced prior to the contest that they would honor the legacy of Johnny and Matthew but details were largely undisclosed.
Needless to say, the Flames’ “C of Red” showed up in full force, with the familiar No. 13 Gaudreau sweaters adorning the backs of fans, young or old, large or small. The 50/50 raffle (a 60/40 on this night) proceeds would benefit charities such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Calgary (M.A.D.D.) and both clubs wore No. 13 Gaudreau jerseys in pre-game warmups which were also auctioned off. Numerous hockey memorabilia was erected at stations throughout the concourse of Scotiabank Saddledome, including specially-designed Flames jerseys, autographed photos, framed and ready for mounting, and experiences with Flames players and the team all up for auction to raise money in honor of a family who meant such a great deal to the city of Calgary and its people. Flames goalie Dan Vladar also donned a specially-painted mask that was auctioned off as well
The Flames’ eventual 3-0 victory was perhaps but a cherry on top of the emotional, moving ceremony held prior to the start of the game. Following a stirring video tribute highlighting Johnny’s time in Calgary and his relationship with the community (shown to a special rendition of his signature goal song “Johnny B. Goode” performed by Canadian singer George Canyon), the Gaudreau Family were joined by both clubs at center-ice for a ceremonial puck drop, taken by Calgary captain Mikael Backlind and Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan, both former teammates of Johnny’s in his time with the Flames and extremely close friends; Monahan signed a long-term deal in free agency this offseason in large part to reunite with Gaudreau (the two players were not only neighbors but are also fathers of young families).
There were very few dry eyes to be found in the Saddledome as the emotions were evident on the faces of the Gaudreau family and the players on the ice, notably Monahan, who fought back tears as the Gaudreaus dropped the specially-designed ceremonial puck.
Throughout the night, the Flames made sure to acknowledge the effect of Johnny and his family on the community of Calgary, which was capped off by a 3-0 victory. Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, a longtime teammate and friend of Johnny during his nine-plus seasons as a Flames, scored the first goal, assisted by Mikael Backlund with Blake Coleman providing a shield in front of Columbus netminder Elvis Merzlikins; with both Coleman and Backlund also former teammates of Johnny’s. In the closing minute of regulation, the C of Red spontaneously erupted into chants “Johnny Hockey”, a moment that gave one goosebumps as a special night of hockey approached an end.
The Flames subsequently named Johnny Gaudreau the First Star of the Game, with his father Guy accepting the honor alongside Andersson and Backlund to a roaring ovation from the Calgary faithful. Guy was also given the game puck post-game inside the Calgary dressing room.
While our time in Calgary was rather brief, the extreme warmth, hospitality, and communal pride shown by the people we encountered, and a truly unforgettable game at which to be witness, made a lasting impression. Calgary is a must-see destination for any hockey fan, and is certainly a city that makes you proud to be a fan of this great game, regardless of where your loyalties ultimately fall.
More on the Toronto portion of our trip in a future piece.
Other snapshots from our time in Calgary:

