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NHL fans were touched when Guy Gaudreau, father of Johnny Gaudreau, skated with the Columbus Blue Jackets during practice. The team shared a video on social media. They captioned it:
"Guest Coach Guy Gaudreau joins Dean Evason’s staff on the ice for practice ahead of tomorrow night’s game 💙♥️."
Guy Gaudreau coached Johnny and his brother Matthew at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey. The brothers died on August 29 in a biking accident with a Jeep Grand Cherokee near Salem, New Jersey. The driver, Sean Higgins, faces charges for the accident.
Fans reacted warmly on X to Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew's father skating.
"I love how the coaches and teams are embracing Guy and trying to help heal his broken heart. It actually never heals, but he can gain many more " adopted sons" as the players loved Johnny and Matt." One fan said.
"I hope all of this is helping Guy heal a little bit.. it is so heartwarming to see the NHL teams embrace this family." another fan said.
"Can't love this more! I am so glad they are including him. Torts started a trend!" a fan said.
Here are some more reactions from fans on X:
"Gosh damn that's awesome and so tough to see/watch at the same time. Great of the Blue Jackets and NHL to embrace the family during this time." a fan wrote.
"Everyone likes this. It’s great, wonderful gesture Healing takes time and at some point you have no choice but to try and change your mind a little Making him feel included is important Colombus W 🔥❤️" one fan said.
"I hope all of this is helping Guy heal a little bit.. it is so heartwarming to see the NHL teams embrace this family." another said.
Dean Evason's remarks on Johnny Gaudreau's father Guy
Columbus coach Dean Evason praised Johnny Gaudreau's father, Guy.
"Johnny Gaudreau was a rink rat," Evason said. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (Guy Gaudreau) just wanted to be on the ice. Like, he just wanted to be here. ... On in the ice, it looked like he was just having a blast."
This was not Guy’s first visit to the rink since his sons’ deaths. He helped the Philadelphia Flyers during a preseason workout.
Before the Blue Jackets face the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the team plans to honor the Gaudreau brothers. The Blue Jackets have already made gestures to honor Johnny Gaudreau by replacing their postgame award with a donkey hat.
