Tragedy struck the hockey world in late August right before training camp was about to begin. NHL superstar for the Columbus Blue Jackets Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were both hit by a car while riding their bikes and were killed.
Since then, the hockey world has been wonderful about mourning these two lost men who were young, and talented, and leaving behind new families. It is as sad as any story to ever hit the NHL community.
On Monday, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella had their father Guy Gaudreau come in and be a guest coach for practice. This is as kind of a gesture as Tortorella could have made to a man who has been through a lot in recent weeks.
The Gaudreau's are lifelong Flyers fans and now Guy got a chance to skate with them and help coach. Tortorella called him earlier and invited him in. Torts had some nice things to say about Guy's coaching ability.
John Tortorella did a wonderful thing for Guy Gaudreau on Monday
John Tortorella said he called Guy Gaudreau, wanted to have him here.
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 23, 2024
“He’s a coach,” Tortorella said.
Tortorella wants to get him out here again. Hopes it’s therapeutic for him.
Tortorella was at funeral in Media. Thought the wives of Johnny and Matthew were so strong. pic.twitter.com/ImwW4dCesy
Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella called Guy Gaudreau and asked him to come to and help coach practice today as a way to support the Gaudreau family. I hope we see even more of Guy with hockey supporting the Gaudreau family. pic.twitter.com/pAasrVDeEq
— Jason Myrtetus (@jasonmyrt) September 23, 2024
Everybody knows that Tortorella is a hard coach who expects a lot from his players. He is also a wonderful human being who cares about others. The fact that he would like to have Guy back speaks volumes about how it went at practice on Monday.
Hopefully, Tortorella is correct in saying that it is therapeutic for him. Hockey is a great way for everyone to heal during life's hardships. The fact that he had the idea to do this for Guy will leave a mark on the Gaudreau family for years to come. It's truly wonderful.
At the end of the practice, the players on the ice had some stick taps for him which was cool to see. It was an all-around good thing done by a good man. Everyone associated with the Flyers should be proud.
The Flyers will visit Columbus for the first time on December 10th. A few weeks later, Gaudreau's team will visit Philly for the first time on December 21st. It is sure to be emotional for a lot of people. The good thing is that everyone continues to keep John and Matt in their hearts.