The Columbus Blue Jackets have introduced a new tradition called a “Johnny skate” at the end of their practices. It involves a shot taken from one end of the ice toward the opposite goal. If a player makes the shot, the team skates one lap; if they miss, they skate three laps.
The numbers one and three represent Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey number, 13. On Monday, the player who took the shot missed it on purpose. This was no problem since it was Johnny Gaudreau’s father, Guy Gaudreau.
Guy was a guest at the Blue Jackets’ practice in Columbus, just a day before their home opener against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
He skated with some players, encouraged them by tapping his stick on the ice as they passed by, and shared fist-bumps with everyone before practice ended.
“He loves the game, loves hockey,” said Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason. “It was a joy to have him out there.” Guy Gaudreau has previously coached at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey.
His sons, John and Matthew Gaudreau, tragically lost their lives on August 29 when a suspected drunken driver hit them while they were riding bicycles in South Jersey, just before their sister Katie’s wedding.
“It’s great to have Guy here,” Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly mentioned. “Just reminds you of the exact same stuff John would do.”
This was not Guy Gaudreau’s first time on the ice this season; he was also a guest with the Philadelphia Flyers last month. The Blue Jackets got the idea to invite him after Flyers coach John Tortorella made a similar gesture.
Tuesday night will be emotional for the Blue Jackets and the entire NHL. Tributes to the Gaudreau brothers have been flowing in from the hockey community.
In Calgary, where Johnny began his NHL career, goaltender Dustin Wolf has decorated his mask in memory of the Gaudreau brothers, featuring their jersey numbers and even incorporating purple Gatorade and Skittles, which were two of Johnny’s favorite treats.
Guy was asked if he wanted to speak to the team on Monday and initially said no, but he eventually had a short conversation with the players. After practice, he asked Evason a question, showing how much he enjoyed being on the ice with Johnny’s team that day.
