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Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella has expressed a desire for Guy Gaudreau to have an ongoing role at the Flyers' training camp.
In a touching display of support, Guy Gaudreau, the father of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, took on the role of guest coach at the Flyers' camp on Monday. His participation came at the invitation of Tortorella, who aimed to provide a comforting presence for Guy following the tragic loss of his sons.
Guy Gaudreau, a seasoned hockey coach, has a history of mentoring his sons at local ice arenas and high schools. John Tortorella noted that having him at camp was beneficial and appreciated Gaudreau's experience with young players.
He said (via NHL.com):
"He's a coach and he's done some great work with some of the youth out here," Tortorella said. "I figured it's perfect to get him in with us. He was hesitant at first and we let him go at his timetable. I think it worked out really well today."
Looking ahead, Tortorella plans to check in with Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's father to see if he can participate in more training sessions, emphasizing the importance of making him feel included in the team's activities.
"We're going to check in next week and see if we can get him out here a couple more times," Tortorella continued. "Have him be part of it. I don't want it to be just come out here, I want him to be part of it.
The Flyers head coach reckons that coaching drills could serve as a form of therapy for Gaudreau during this difficult time, highlighting the supportive environment the Flyers organization aims to create at this difficult time for the family, who're also lifelong fans of the organization.
“I think it will be therapeutic for him to be part of it, run some drills. He's done it before. He's a coach. It was great to have him here. We'll see where it goes," he added.
The Gaudreau family faced a tragic loss, as both Johnny and Matthew tragically passed away in an accident last month. The gesture by John Tortorella is one of the kindest he could have extended to Guy Gaudreau, who has faced immense challenges in recent weeks.
John Tortorella's Flyers shut out by Canadiens in preseason
Following the emphatic 6-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday, John Tortorella's Flyers faced a heavy 5-0 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in the second preseason matchup on Monday.
The Philadelphia Flyers will return home to face the New York Islanders on Thursday before the Boston Bruins on Saturday. The Flyers will kick off their 2024-25 season with a road trip to Rogers Arena to take on the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 11.
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