CALGARY, Alberta – As the Gaudreau family watched from the stands, Rasmus Andersson, Kevin Bahl and Yegor Sharangovich scored goals as the Calgary Flames defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 in a game between the two franchises and the late Johnny Gaudreau played.

The Gaudreaus, including Guy and his wife Jane, Johnny’s wife Meredith and sisters Katie and Kristen, traveled to Calgary this week, and Guy Gaudreau actually attended the Flames’ Monday practice before the game.

Before the first period, the Flames held a pregame ceremony that included a video tribute and a celebratory puck drop led by Guy Gaudreau. In the video the Flames posted to their social media accounts, a quote from Johnny Gaudreau was heard that read: “I hope the people of Calgary can remember me not just as a hockey player, but as a hockey player good people with good values.” “

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Aug. 29 when police said they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles on a country road on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding. The driver who police say hit him is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, as well as reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Known as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau played the first eight of his 10 full seasons with Calgary, where he developed into one of the NHL’s best players. He spent his final two seasons with the Blue Jackets after signing with Columbus as a free agent.

On Tuesday, Meredith Gaudreau opened up about her emotional return to Calgary, telling Sportsnet that she got her husband’s signature tattooed on her right wrist and forearm to mark the visit.

Johnny Hockey forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RO9foGPFYD

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 4, 2024

“I thought it would be cool to say I did it in Calgary because his autograph was really well received there,” she said. “It’s like it all started here.”

She also said she was excited to see the fans and wanted them to see her children.

“Everyone was so welcoming,” she said. “It almost feels like you’ve never left when you’re here for a few days, so many familiar faces. And, you know, so much time spent here, so many great memories.”

The Flames’ tribute to their former star began when players wore Gaudreau’s name and number on their jerseys during pregame warmups. Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan and Flames forward Mikael Backlund took part in the celebratory duel.

Meredith Gaudreau cried as she thanked Calgary fans.

“They were great,” she said, wiping away tears. “I’ve read everyone’s messages. Tonight I’m really happy to be here.

Flames goaltender Dan Vladar, who made 16 saves en route to the win, played with a special mask honoring Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

“I just wanted to do something to pay tribute to Johnny and Matthew,” Vladar said last month. “Johnny was a very good friend to us and we all miss the boys very much.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.