Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Shows Support for Grieving Family
John Tortorella, head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, is making efforts to support a grieving family within the hockey community. Guy Gaudreau, who has been mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, recently joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice. This collaboration comes in the wake of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of John and Matthew Gaudreau.
The Gaudreau brothers were killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29, a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver is facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container. The loss has deeply affected those around them, including their father, Guy Gaudreau, and the hockey community at large.
Tortorella, understanding the gravity of the situation, has been cautious yet supportive in involving Guy Gaudreau with the Flyers. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella said regarding Guy's involvement with the team. They are planning to have him participate in more activities with the team, recognizing the potential therapeutic benefits. "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 support from Tortorella and the Flyers is not just about getting Guy involved in the drills; it’s about integrating him into the team’s environment. "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 emphasized. The sentiment is shared by many within the organization, who respect Guy's reputation and the strength of his family in these trying times. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella noted.
The tragedy has brought forth a wave of support from the hockey community. Tortorella himself attended the brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb, demonstrating the close-knit nature of this community. The emotional resonance of the event lingers. "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 expressed.
John Gaudreau, one of the brothers who passed away, had an illustrious career in the NHL. He spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he signed a seven-year, $68 million deal in 2022. This was a significant move in his career, one that showcased his talent and value in the league.
Amid the grief, there are moments of bittersweet pride. Meredith Gaudreau, John Gaudreau's widow, reflects on the support and involvement of Guy with 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 shared. Her words capture a sense of solace in knowing their legacy continues in some form.
The Flyers' locker room has become a place of refuge and camaraderie for Guy Gaudreau, helping him navigate through his loss. "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 stated, underscoring the importance of this supportive environment.
As the hockey season progresses, the Flyers and the Gaudreau family are reminded of the strength and unity within the community. The effort to support Guy Gaudreau is a testament to the compassion and resilience that defines the world of sports, battling through the sorrow to find healing and solidarity.