About a month ago the mods for r/Predators contacted me and asked that for Day 13 we focus just on Johnny Gaudreau and this is yet another reason I am proud to be a member of Smashville.

I know that Johnny Gaudreau was not a Nashville Predator, but today, at least for us, is a day of remembrance. On this day, we remember those who will never take the ice again. Johnny Gaudreau was not just a great hockey player, he was a great teammate, a good person, and a loving husband and father. I've never met the man, but it is clearly evident that he was beloved by those around him and by both the Calgary and Columbus organizations and fans. His loyalty and impact to Columbus is a testament to his love of the game and his willingness to meet challenges head on. He stayed on for his Junior year at Boston College, even though he could have easily made the Flames roster, just so he could play hockey with his brother.

That's the kind of person we are remembering today. At the end of the day, hockey is a game. When tragedies like this occur, they're no longer an opponent or that player you hate, they're a fellow human being. That's why today we put aside the number 13's of Nashville and honor one of the best to ever wear it, John Michael Gaudreau, "Johnny Hockey". He will be sorely missed…

The 2nd and 3rd pictures are from the 2015 NHL All-Star game when Filip Forsberg and Johnny Gaudreau were teammates on Team Toews. The 4th picture is with Nick Blankenburg who became a Nashville Predator this offseason.

Remembering Johnny Gaudreau: https://youtu.be/xnR8O0_2NcI?si=lt45UZkTYT07OXw9

Johnny Gaudreau's Best Goals from the 2020 – 2024 Seasons: https://youtu.be/_F_D4lnLzqs?si=Pbf-_vap4r6jbv-V

Johnny Gaudreau's Top 10 Career Highlights: https://youtu.be/7nIHjf_uuFc?si=69LhXMBOEMKPzDMN

6 comments

  5. I live in Calgary and the comradery here over the last month has been insane. He meant so much to this city and the fans of the Flames and obviously across the NHL. Great tribute.

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