On a somber day last month, the Philadelphia Flyers family gathered to mourn the tragic deaths of John and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29. The accident, which occurred just a day before their sister Katie's wedding, sent ripples of sorrow throughout the hockey community. The driver responsible for the crash is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container.
A Community in Mourning
John Tortorella, head coach of the Flyers, felt the weight of the tragedy deeply and attended the brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb last month. Reflecting on the experience, Tortorella said, "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."
The loss of John and Matthew Gaudreau hit particularly close to home for the Flyers organization given the presence of John Gaudreau, an accomplished NHL player who spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before signing a seven-year, $68 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.
Joining the Flyers for Healing
Amidst the heartache, the Flyers found a way to turn their grief into a source of solidarity. Guy Gaudreau, a dedicated mentor to young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice. The move was part of a therapeutic approach, aimed at providing solace and a sense of normalcy.
"He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," said Tortorella. "But 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."
Building on this sentiment, Tortorella emphasized the importance of integrating Guy Gaudreau into the team environment. "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," he stated. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation."
Meredith Gaudreau, widow of John Gaudreau, expressed profound gratitude, noting, "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."
A Lasting Impact
Tortorella and the Flyers are mindful that their support will not erase the tragedy but hope it can provide some measure of comfort. "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," said Tortorella.
The Flyers' initiative exemplifies the strength and unity within the hockey community, a collective effort to heal in the face of unspeakable loss. By embracing Guy Gaudreau and offering a supportive space, Tortorella and the organization are showing that the bonds of hockey extend far beyond the rink.