John Tortorella Welcomes Guy Gaudreau to Flyers Practice Amidst Tragedy
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has taken a step towards healing a deeply wounded family by extending an invitation to Guy Gaudreau. Gaudreau, a well-respected mentor to young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice. This initiative comes in the wake of an unspeakable family tragedy.
Just over a month ago, John and Matthew Gaudreau, sons of John Gaudreau, a notable figure from the Columbus Blue Jackets, were killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29. Their untimely passing occurred a mere day before their sister Katie's wedding, compounding the family's grief. The driver responsible is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container.
John Gaudreau, who spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before signing a seven-year, $68 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, is no stranger to the pressures and heartbreaks of professional sports. Yet, the recent tragedy that struck his family is a challenge of an entirely different magnitude.
In this context, John Tortorella's gesture to bring Guy Gaudreau into the Flyers’ fold is both an act of solidarity and support. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella said. Recognizing the potential therapeutic benefits for Guy Gaudreau, Tortorella's approach is both compassionate and considerate. "I think it worked out really well today. I gave him my camp book. We're going to check in next week and see if we can get him out here a couple more times and have him be part of it," Tortorella added.
The move to include Gaudreau is more than symbolic; it’s a heartfelt attempt to integrate him into a supportive community. "I don't want it to be, 'Just come out here.' I want him to be part of it. I think it will be therapeutic for him to be around us and run some drills," Tortorella pointed out. This sentiment underscores the Flyers' commitment to being there for one of their own in his time of need.
Tortorella, who attended the brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb last month, remains deeply affected by the event. The Flyers’ head coach has articulated the importance of getting to know the Gaudreau family better as they navigate through their heartbreaking loss. "I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves. No one can imagine. No one can. I'm hoping to get to know the family. I think a number of coaches want to get to know the family, the girls, Matt's family. It's just horrible what happened. It's still pretty fresh. It's here. It's with us. Down the street. We just want to be part of it and try and help," Tortorella shared.
For Guy Gaudreau, the chance to be involved with the Flyers offers a semblance of normalcy and a new arena in which to exercise his coaching talents. He is a well-known figure within the organization, respected for his reputation as a mentor. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella noted.
Meredith Gaudreau, John Gaudreau's widow, also expressed a poignant reflection on the support from the Flyers. "John & Matty would love this. They're both so proud of their dad, I know this made them smile as they watched down from heaven," she said.
While the integration of Guy Gaudreau into the Flyers’ routine is not intended to be a focal point of media attention, Tortorella hopes it can serve as a quiet, yet powerful, form of emotional support. "We don't want it to be an everyday story. We just want to help. To be in a locker room, coach to coach, player to coach, guys talking to him, I just hope it helps a little bit," Tortorella emphasized.
In times of grief and loss, the sports community often bands together to offer support in ways that transcend the game. The Flyers' gesture towards Guy Gaudreau is a testament to the spirit of camaraderie that runs deep within the world of professional sports. As the Gaudreau family continues to mourn, the Flyers stand ready to offer their support, both on and off the ice.