Facing her first Thanksgiving without her sons, Johnny and Matthew, Jane Gaudreau still wants to give thanks.
As part of the endless love and support that has been flowing from Calgary since the brothers’ passing in August, her family has been invited to attend the Flames game next Tuesday when the Columbus Blue Jackets come to town.
The Gaudreaus will do so, en masse.
Although the Flames have kept details of their Dec. 3 tribute under wraps, the Gaudreau family will be flown in to be part of an evening honouring Johnny Hockey for his work in the community and the nine years of brilliance he exhibited as one of organization’s most popular stars.
“We are deeply grateful to the Flames organization for inviting us back,” said Jane in a text message from her home in New Jersey.
“Guy and I, along with our entire family, are looking forward to reconnecting with many friends in Calgary.
“The love and support so many have shown for John, Matty, and our entire family has helped us through the hardest time of our lives.”
It promises to be one of the most stirring evenings in Saddledome history, as Flames fans will get a chance to wrap their arms around a man, his brother and a family that meant so much to the organization and city.
And it couldn’t come at a better time.
“It’s been a really tough few months for Guy and me,” admitted Jane, referring to her husband, who taught Johnny how to skate using Skittles as lures.
“Some days are okay, but others are incredibly challenging. This past week, with Thanksgiving approaching, was especially difficult for us.”
Although his parents flew out west for regular visits throughout his time in Calgary, Johnny missed seeing family for things like Thanksgiving so much that it prompted him to sign in Columbus in 2022 to be closer to home.
The move was upsetting to Flames fans, but nothing compared to the hurt the city felt when news of his passing hit.
The day after the two were struck and killed while bicycling on the side of a rural road near their family home in New Jersey by an alleged drunk driver, thousands of Calgarians made emotional pilgrimages to the ’Dome to pay their respects.
They brought flowers, sticks, jerseys, photos, stuffies, Skittles and purple Gatorade.
They cried, they hugged, they shared, they reflected.
A candlelight vigil for the brothers was attended by more than 10,000, which included former teammates and alumni.
The Gaudreau family saw it all from afar, and used it as nourishment to help deal with their unspeakable pain.
“The Flames organization and the Calgary fans have been a special part of our lives for over 13 incredible years,” said Jane, whose son was a Flames fourth-round draft pick in 2011.
“Some of the friendships we’ve made here have become like family to us, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve created together.”
They’ll create even more Dec. 3, just four days after the Flames visit Columbus for the first time this season.
That too promises to be emotional.
Many have wondered if the Flames will retire Johnny’s No. 13, raise a banner with his name on it or pay tribute to him in other ways.
Nothing will be more enduring or powerful than the memory of seeing his pregnant wife, Meredith, and two kids, his sisters Katie and Kristen, his parents, his brother’s pregnant wife and extended family members in house.
It was Katie’s wedding they were all slated to be at the day after the brothers were killed.
Jane and Guy are beloved in Calgary, where Guy showed up several times with hockey gear in search of some beer league action.
They are recognized wherever they go, and have long been embraced by locals who watched their undersized college standout become an NHL all-star.
Aside from a video they did for Sportsnet to thank fans for their support on opening night, Jane and Guy have kept a very low profile, quietly battling through every parent’s worst nightmare.
Coming to Calgary and stepping back into the spotlight takes courage.
They’ll be welcomed with love.
“Many of our fondest memories were in Calgary,” said Jane.
“It’s where we watched John grow from a college student into a remarkable young man, and as parents we are so incredibly proud.
“We are so thankful for the time we’ve spent in this wonderful city, and look forward to seeing everyone again.”
The feeling is mutual.