John Tortorella, the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, recently took steps to help a community member in need, enhancing the spirit of camaraderie within the organization. Guy Gaudreau, who has a longstanding reputation for mentoring young players at Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, joined the Flyers to assist with drills during practice.
Guy Gaudreau's involvement comes in the wake of a personal tragedy. His sons, John and Matthew Gaudreau, were killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29, a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver responsible for the accident is facing multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container.
In a gesture of support, John Tortorella handed Guy Gaudreau his camp book during practice, signifying a welcome into the Flyers' fold. Tortorella acknowledged Gaudreau's initial reluctance. "He was hesitant at first, and we kind of let him go at his timetable," said Tortorella.
The Flyers' head coach believes that involving Guy Gaudreau with the team can be a form of therapy and solace. "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 elaborated. "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."
John Tortorella's empathy extends beyond just professional duties. He attended the brothers' funeral in a Philadelphia suburb last month, showing his commitment to supporting the Gaudreau family during such a difficult time. "I thought the two wives were so strong in how they handled themselves. No one can imagine. No one can," Tortorella reflected, adding, "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."
The outreach has not gone unnoticed by the Gaudreau family. Meredith Gaudreau, John Gaudreau's widow, expressed her gratitude: "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."
For the Flyers, integrating Guy Gaudreau into their practice sessions is more than just an act of goodwill; it’s an acknowledgment of the strength and resilience that the Gaudreau family has shown. Tortorella emphasized the intention behind this involvement: "A lot of people know him in the organization because of his reputation." He continued, "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."
John Gaudreau, who spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, is now with the Columbus Blue Jackets, having signed a seven-year, $68 million deal in 2022. Despite the professional ties and the natural rivalries within the NHL, the communal bond in times of personal loss transcends team allegiances.
At its core, this narrative reflects the broader human aspect of professional sports. Coaches, players, and organizations often become extended families to one another. Through this tragedy, the Philadelphia Flyers have shown that their sense of community is not confined to the rink but extends to the personal lives of those who make hockey more than just a game.