I haven't been here in years but this felt like the right place to let out the emotions I've been feeling all day. I apologize if this isn't coherent or well put together, I just felt I wanted to say something.
Johnny Gaudreau was the reason I fell in love with hockey. I was 13 years old, in the Dome watching Game 6 of playoffs against the Canucks. The young star Johnny Hockey was the reason I became such an avid hockey fan, why I loved the Flames with my whole entire heart.
He was silly and goofy. He had the diet of a child and was a part of our dynamic duo. I remember him scoring the game winning goal in overtime against Dallas in game 7. He was our hero, the one we could always count on. The Saddledome was shaking with excitement and we all were thankful for our Johnny.
He gave us fans so much for years. I loved our precious Johnny and losing him feels like losing a part of myself. I never would have experienced the epic highs of Flames hockey without him, and I would never have become the person I am today with him.
It feels a bit strange being affected by the loss of a person who never knew you, but I knew him and I cherished him so much. When he left our team, I was hurt. I was hurt because I love him, this city loves him, and losing him makes me realize how much he impacted our lives. It is terrible that losing someone is sometimes what it takes for you to realize what that person meant to you. But to me, he was someone who gave me so many amazing memories.
I cry everytime I think of his kids not growing up knowing what an amazing man their father was. I cry everytime I remember him moving closer to his parents because they were getting older. I cry everytime I remember him and Monahan were supposed to reunite on the ice this year. He gave everyone so much happiness and now he's gone. He was such a kind and caring soul.
We love you so much Johnny and Matthew. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I cannot imagine what they are going through.
Rest in peace Johnny Hockey. Rest in peace Matthew.
<3
