Flyers' Coach Tortorella Welcomes Guy Gaudreau to Team Setup
The Philadelphia Flyers have always been a team deeply entrenched in community and camaraderie. This week, the organization demonstrated its unwavering support in a time of bereavement by welcoming Guy Gaudreau, a seasoned mentor to young players, into their training sessions. Guy Gaudreau, whose contributions to the development of aspiring hockey players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey are well-known, joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice.
Flyers' head coach John Tortorella, a figure renowned for his passion and dedication, expressed how the team integrated Gaudreau into their setup. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," Tortorella noted, emphasizing the respect and accommodation shown to Gaudreau during this trying period.
Tragedy struck the Gaudreau family on August 29, when John and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver, a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The incident has left the family and community reeling, as the driver now faces numerous charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container. The loss weighs heavily on the hearts of many, especially within the hockey community.
A silver lining in these dark times has emerged in the support displayed by the Flyers organization. During practice, Tortorella handed Gaudreau his camp book, suggesting the beginning of a long-term involvement. "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 shared. This effort is not just about adding expertise; it's about healing and solidarity.
Tortorella's approach to Gaudreau’s inclusion goes beyond mere professional courtesy. "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," he explained. The coach’s heartfelt words resonate with anyone who understands the profound connection shared within a team. "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation," he added, highlighting the pre-existing respect for Gaudreau within the Flyers’ circles.
The bonds formed within the Flyers’ family are particularly poignant now. After attending the brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb last month, Tortorella was moved by the strength demonstrated by the Gaudreau family. "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," he said, reflecting on the close-knit nature of the hockey community.
John Gaudreau, who spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before signing a seven-year, $68 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, has left a legacy that extends beyond his on-ice contributions. His widow, Meredith Gaudreau, shared a sentiment that captures the essence of the support Guy Gaudreau is receiving: "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."
The Flyers’ gesture is a reminder of the strength found in unity and the cathartic nature of shared experience. Tortorella underscored the importance of this support, saying, "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."
As Guy Gaudreau takes this step forward with the Flyers, the hockey world collectively hopes for a measure of solace and strength for him and his family. The community's willingness to extend not only professional but also personal support, even in the face of unimaginable loss, epitomizes the true spirit of sportsmanship and humanity.