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Originally Posted by gvitaly
I'm on the fence on this one. Now I'm leaning towards it not being retired.
I think the Flames should make a memorial for John, and maybe have one of the sections in the new building being named after him, along with a program that does good in the community under his name.
That said, I think that retiring a hockey jersey should be for the player's hockey accomplishments with the Flames. The lack of playoff success, and Gaudreau's decision to move on should be taken into account. I also don't think that retiring the number will help his family Grieve, but I don't know that, and it should be discussed with his parents and his wife.
Is Regehr's number in the rafters? Is Gios going to be? Is Johnny more deserving just because he's gone?
PS: I won't be upset with either decision, and I can see how people in the organization and fans alike will get closure from the gesture.
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I would argue that the manner and the suddeness in how he died is a solid reason for retiring his jersey. Future fans and those outside the game that may not know much about Johnny will learn his story and through that a valuable lesson on drinking and driving and how it took the lives of 2 people.