Gaudreau tributes filled today’s Flames game in Columbus

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Today’s game between the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets was every bit as emotional as expected.

The Blue Jackets were able to walk away with a 5-2 win, but few were talking about the final result.

This game marked the first time the Flames and Blue Jackets have faced one another since the passing of Johnny Gaudreau, and to no surprise, he was honoured throughout.

Though he didn’t draw the start, Dan Vladar dawned his new mask honouring both Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. The mask, which will be auctioned off for charity following a Tuesday rematch between these two teams, was unveiled by Vladar earlier in the day.

That was just the start to the emotional day.

During the first intermission, it was revealed that several players — Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson, along with former Flames and current Blue Jackets, Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson — gathered at the Gaudreau’s to catch up.

Also visiting the Gaudreau household was Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie, who was able to chat with Johnny’s wife, Meredith.

“This is what makes [it] feel like the one thing I always had before. I feel really normal when everyone’s around,” Meredith said about having several of Gaudreau’s former teammates visit. “It’s all the same people we were always with. It [feels] like we’re not doing it because of what happened, this is just what we always did.”

Meredith, who has been incredibly strong throughout this horrific tragedy, explained to Leslie that she and her children reminisce on Johnny daily.

“We talk about daddy every single day,” she said with a smile. “We see pictures and videos of him every single day. They’ll be good kids because they’re John’s [children]. I just really try every day to make him proud.”

Also shown during the first intermission was a quick interview following the first period with Monahan. The 30-year-old explained that he and his teammates play for Gaudreau each and every time they hit the ice.

“We play for him [and] carry on his legacy,” Monahan said. “We remember the kind of guy and teammate he was. If you’re like him, there’s good things to come.”

Tuesday night will be another extremely emotional one, as the Blue Jackets will be in action at the Saddledome.

Joining them will be several members of the Gaudreau family, as it was announced earlier this week that the Flames will fly the Gaudreau family to Calgary for the game.

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