Flames’ Vladar unveils new mask honouring Gaudreau brothers

Posted on by newsbot

Calgary Flames goaltender Dan Vladar unveiled a touching new mask design ahead of today’s game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Flames are taking on the Blue Jackets this afternoon, marking the first time the two teams have faced off against one another since the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Johnny spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Flames, before signing with the Blue Jackets as a free agent ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. It goes without saying that he had a major impact on both organizations and, to no surprise, both have done their best to honour him the way he and his family deserve early on in this 2024-25 campaign.

The latest to honour the passing of Johnny and his brother, Matthew, is Vladar. The 27-year-old unveiled a new mask this morning, which he will wear in both today’s and Tuesday’s games versus the Blue Jackets.

“I just wanted to do something to tribute Johnny and Matthew,” Vladar said. “Obviously Johnny was a very good friend of ours, and we all miss them a lot. This was an idea of mine and our equipment manager. I got in touch with [Johnny’s wife] Meredith, so she sent me the picture of the guys, which are on both sides. The doves on top are to represent the boys.”

Following Tuesday’s game, the mask will be auctioned off for the Flames Foundation.

Prior to the 2024-25 season beginning, Vladar’s goaltending partner, Dustin Wolf, also unveiled a mask that pays tribute to both Johnny and Matthew.

Today’s game between the Flames and Blue Jackets, which will get underway in less than an hour, figures to be an extremely emotional one. That said, it’s one that fans from both sides will be sure to tune into, as there is sure to be a tribute of some sort from both the teams and players.

The two sides will meet up once again in Calgary on Tuesday, a game the Flames organization will be flying in the Gaudreau family to watch.

Source

Related Posts