Katie Gaudreau took some time on Thursday to thank Calgary Flames fans for the reception they gave her and her family earlier this month.
Just over three weeks ago, the Flames organization flew the Gaudreau family to Calgary ahead of a game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was a very emotional outing as the two sides, along with the Gaudreau family, gathered on the ice before puck drop to honour the late Johnny Gaudreau.
An emotional ceremonial faceoff with the Gaudreau family, the Blue Jackets, and Flames ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rSi8yZHiXg
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 4, 2024
Flames fans showed great support for the family, with chants of “Johnny Hockey” ringing through the Saddledome at different points of the game.
“Since late September, I’ve just been waiting for this weekend,” Katie wrote on Instagram. “The weekend where the best city in the world would hold Papa Hockey and Mama G. I will thank you forever and ever for everything you have done for our family. The best city in the world.
“To the fans, owners, coaches, management, players, Flames Foundation, and families, thank you. Thank you for giving us a week that we felt more love than we could have ever imagined. This is truly the best city in the world. I am so thankful that Noa and Johnny could experience the city that made their daddy a superstar.”
She went on to say that she hopes chants honouring her brother will continue going forward at the Saddledome.
“I hope Johnny Hockey is forever chanted in this city and one day when Calgary has the 2042 first-round draft pick, Baby Johnny will take over the name with the C of Red.”
Johnny and his brother, Matthew, were killed in late August after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles near their hometown in Salem County, New Jersey. The tragedy deeply affected the entire hockey world and pained all Flames fans who adored Johnny throughout his nine seasons in the organization.
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