Tortorella Provides Support for Grieving Guy Gaudreau
As the Philadelphia Flyers continue their preparations for the upcoming season, head coach John Tortorella has extended a hand to someone outside the usual roster: Guy Gaudreau. Known for his years of mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, Gaudreau recently joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice. This collaboration extends beyond just hockey, reaching into the realm of personal healing and community support.
Earlier this year, Gaudreau suffered a tragic loss when his two sons, John and Matthew Gaudreau, were killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29. The heartbreaking incident occurred just a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver responsible for the crash is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container.
John Gaudreau spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 with a seven-year, $68 million contract. His father, Guy, has been mourning the loss while continuing to be an integral part of the local hockey community. Recognizing the therapeutic potential of involvement, Tortorella decided to invite Guy Gaudreau to participate in the Flyers' practice sessions.
Finding Comfort on the Ice
Despite his initial hesitations, Guy Gaudreau accepted Tortorella's invitation. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella mentioned. The arrangement appears to have benefitted both the team and Gaudreau. "I think it worked out really well today. I gave him my camp book," Tortorella said. "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."
For Tortorella, it was important that Gaudreau felt genuinely included, not just as a gesture of pity. "I don't want it to be, 'Just come out here.' I want him to be part of it," Tortorella explained. "I think it will be therapeutic for him to be around us and run some drills."
Tortorella appeared deeply moved by the strength demonstrated by the Gaudreau family during these difficult times. "I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves. No one can imagine. No one can," he reflected. "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."
A Healing Community
Guy Gaudreau's involvement with the Flyers has been more than just a symbolic gesture. The mutual respect and camaraderie have laid a foundation for healing. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," Tortorella noted, emphasizing that Gaudreau's extensive experience and mentorship history have made him a respected figure within the hockey community.
Meredith Gaudreau, John Gaudreau's widow, voiced her thoughts on the matter, sharing a sentiment that encapsulated the family's emotions. "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 said.
For Tortorella and the Flyers, the goal is to provide an environment that offers solace and purpose. "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 concluded.
As the Flyers move forward, this partnership with Guy Gaudreau underscores the profound impact that sports can have on community and healing. Beyond the competition and tactics, it's a reminder that the rink can also be a place where people come together to confront life's toughest challenges.