Guy and Jane Gaudreau joke their hockey star son would have been a little too routine-oriented to appreciate the new, world-class rink that will soon replace the Saddledome.
When Johnny Gaudreau played for the Calgary Flames, there was thought to be an agreement between the city and team ownership about a new facility, but that deal fell through.
No one was happier than Johnny Hockey.
“I think John might have been the only one,” Jane said.
“John was really happy because he didn’t like change, and he just loved the ‘Dome. Some of his teammates would like tease him and say, ‘You don’t want a brand new rink.’ And he goes, ‘I like this room. It has character.’ It just felt like home. It was just so nice. The people were so nice.”
Johnny starred for the Flames for nine seasons after the team chose the undersized winger from Salem, N.J., in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft.
On Aug. 29, 2024, Johnny, 31, and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, were killed by a suspected drunk driver while they were riding their bikes on the night before their sister’s wedding.
Johnny Gaudreau’s wife reflects on their connection to Calgary
The Gaudreaus spoke with CBC News from New Jersey after putting their grandson, Tripp, down for a nap. Tripp is Matthew’s son.
Jane and Guy are constantly reminded of Johnny and Matthew when they see their sons’ kids.
“He’s got blond hair, and he’s got a lot of characteristics of Matthew,” Guy said. “He looks a lot like Matthew when he was a baby. … John’s oldest daughter, Noa, looks just like him when he was a baby, and Little John and Carter have a lot of glimpses of dad, too.”
Jane spoke openly about the grieving process. It hasn’t been linear.
“I really had a hard time this year, I think, because I expected to feel like a little bit better and be able to maybe join in on some of the holiday festivities with my other grandchildren,” she said.
“When I wasn’t, I felt like each day became increasingly sadder and more depressing. So I had a rough time throughout the holidays. Now that the spring is starting to be here and the weather is a little nicer, I think it’ll be a little bit better.”
Guy and Jane keep their sons’ memories alive in part through the Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day. Some of the family’s friends had the idea for the event last year, with the funds going towards the Gaudreau Family Foundation and to build an inclusive playground in the brothers’ honour.
Jane was particularly touched by a couple from Calgary that flew to New Jersey for the first event.
“We were just amazed … these people were just so kind and so sweet.”
This year, the event takes place in Sewell, N.J., on May 16. People are also encouraged to participate virtually.
Widows of Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau launch foundation in their honour
Despite the tragic circumstances, the family’s love of Calgary remains stronger than ever.
“Obviously steaks are really good there,” Guy said with a grin. “They know how to cook. They know how to prepare. They know how to age it. I’ve never had a bad steak there.”
After their son was drafted, the Gaudreau family embraced everything that comes with a hockey-mad Canadian market. They visited the city a half-dozen times a year.
They had their spots. They dabbled in local delicacies. Jane said Modern Steak was a particular favourite.
For as much as the Gaudreaus loved Calgary, the city loved the Gaudreaus right back. At times, it even annoyed their son.
“He said, ‘I can’t believe this. I’m not gonna be able to take Dad anymore,’” Jane recalled. “He said, ‘We had an autograph session … dad’s line was longer than my line.’ He was kind of joking, but I think people in Calgary knew how much we genuinely loved the city. We loved being there.”
It was common for the parents to appear on the arena jumbotron. The Flames faithful often went crazy with adulation.
“We would go to the game, we’d walk in the back and everybody just knew who we were,” Guy said.
“It made us feel at home. … We’d talk to people and take pictures with people. I think they really [liked] the fact that John came in undersized, really small fourth round draft pick, and to be able to accomplish what he did.”
The Gaudreaus hope to say farewell to one of the game’s iconic rinks next season.
“We want to continue to go to Calgary and visit everyone,” Jane said.
“I’d like to go again before they take down the ‘Dome because that was really special to us.”
Jane and Guy also want to eventually grow the Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day outside of New Jersey.
“Our chairperson for the 5K said, ‘Where would you go first? I’ll give you time to think,’” Jane said.
“I said, ‘We don’t even have to think. Calgary would be the first place we would go.’”
