John Tortorella Brings Guy Gaudreau to Flyers Camp for Healing \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella invited Guy Gaudreau, father of the late John and Matthew Gaudreau, to assist at the team’s training camp. Guy, a former coach, helped with drills, marking a step toward healing after the tragic loss of his sons in a car accident. Tortorella emphasized that involving Gaudreau in the Flyers’ camp could be therapeutic for him, as both families continue to cope with the devastating incident.
Guy Gaudreau Joins Flyers Camp for Support Quick Looks:
- Flyers coach John Tortorella invited Guy Gaudreau to assist at training camp.
- Guy Gaudreau, a former coach, helped with drills during Flyers practice.
- The invitation follows the tragic deaths of his sons, John and Matthew Gaudreau.
- Tortorella believes the involvement will be therapeutic for Gaudreau.
- Flyers players showed their appreciation for Gaudreau’s contributions.
- John Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a star NHL player before his death.
- Both brothers were killed by a suspected drunk driver in August 2023.
- Tortorella and the Flyers organization are offering support to the Gaudreau family.
- Tortorella attended the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral and has continued to support their family.
- The driver involved faces charges of death by auto and reckless driving.
Deep Look:
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella welcomed a special guest to the team’s training camp on Monday: Guy Gaudreau, father of the late NHL stars John and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically died in a car accident in August 2023. Guy, an accomplished hockey coach in his own right, was invited to assist during practice and run drills with the team as part of an effort to help him heal from the devastating loss of his two sons.
The Flyers players showed their appreciation by tapping their sticks on the ice as a sign of respect when Gaudreau joined them on the rink at the Flyers’ training complex in Voorhees, New Jersey. At the end of the practice, they shook Gaudreau’s hand, thanking him for his time and his contributions to the day’s session.
Tortorella, who extended the invitation, said that Gaudreau was initially hesitant to join the team but eventually felt comfortable after being given time to decide. “He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable,” Tortorella explained. “I think it worked out really well today.” In a heartfelt gesture, Tortorella shared his camp schedule with Gaudreau and expressed hope that he would return for additional practices. “I don’t want it to be, ‘Just come out here,’” Tortorella said. “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 shared that he had never met Guy Gaudreau before Monday’s practice, despite their mutual connection to the hockey world. Gaudreau raised his family in New Jersey, and his sons became accomplished players, with John “Johnny Hockey” Gaudreau emerging as one of the NHL’s brightest stars. Tortorella spoke highly of Guy Gaudreau’s reputation as a coach, acknowledging his contributions to youth hockey in the region. “A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation,” Tortorella said. Gaudreau had coached at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School, earning respect in local hockey circles.
Tortorella was candid about the heartbreaking circumstances that brought them together. On August 29, 2023, John and Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles on a rural road in South Jersey, just hours before their sister Katie’s wedding. The driver, who was arrested at the scene, faces multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open alcohol container, and consuming alcohol in a vehicle.
John Gaudreau was an NHL superstar, beloved by fans across North America. He played 10 seasons in the league, the first eight with the Calgary Flames, where he rose to fame and became one of the sport’s top players. In 2022, he signed a seven-year, $68 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, ready to begin his third season with the team. His death, alongside his brother Matthew, who had also played professionally, sent shockwaves through the hockey community.
Tortorella attended the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral last month in a Philadelphia suburb, where he witnessed the unimaginable grief the family was experiencing. He expressed deep admiration for the strength shown by the brothers’ wives, who, despite the tragedy, were composed throughout the service. “I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves,” Tortorella said. “No one can imagine. No one can.”
Now, Tortorella and other members of the Flyers’ organization are determined to provide ongoing support for the Gaudreau family. Tortorella revealed that he and other coaches are eager to connect with the family, including the Gaudreau brothers’ wives and their sister Katie, whose wedding was forever marred by the tragedy. “We just want to be part of it and try and help,” Tortorella explained. He emphasized that, while they don’t want the tragedy to become an everyday talking point, they hope to offer comfort and healing through their shared connection to hockey.
In his signature candid style, Tortorella even joked about Guy Gaudreau’s reaction to his coaching methods, noting that Gaudreau gave him a hard time about yelling at the players to skate harder during practice. The lighthearted moment was a welcome break from the grief that has surrounded the Gaudreau family and the hockey community since the accident.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Tortorella and the Flyers believe that their involvement can offer some solace to Guy Gaudreau and his family as they navigate the difficult road ahead. By involving Guy in the day-to-day activities of the team, Tortorella hopes that the camaraderie of the locker room and the focus on hockey can provide a small measure of comfort during this unimaginable time.
As the Flyers continue their season, the legacy of John and Matthew Gaudreau will remain close to the hearts of those in the organization, and Tortorella is committed to helping the family in any way he can. “We just want to help,” he said. “To be in a locker room, coach to coach, player to coach, guys talking to him, I just hope it helps a little bit.”
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