He brought light in what looked like a dark tunnel with a bleak future when Iginla left.
Lost Kipper, dealt Regehr, dealt Bouwmeester, and sadly Iginla as well. Baertschi wasn’t panning out to be as good as we wanted him to be. Out comes this small LWer from the USA, drafted in the 4th round in 2011 without much expectation of making it. The league at the time was always trying to mirror LA of the early 2010s, size and skill (but emphasis on size).
But he did play above expectation. He always did. He knew he was small, but he elusive. His skating was out of this world. The stick handling, the hockey IQ, even had an underrated shot for his size. The epitome of a play driver, if you notice the highlights his teammates were always trying to give him the puck. Why? Because something good always happened. He blessed many teammates on his likes, turning AHL tweeners into capable NHL scorers, middle 6 forwards into top 6 threats and top 6 scorers into elite 1st line players. He did it all.
Retire his jersey. This is a player that scored 609 points in 602 games for the franchise. He will sorely be missed. Every now and then I always liked fo see what former Flames players did, but for Johnny I was always curious to see how he was doing in Columbus. I missed him that much. He will always have a special place in my memories. Thank you Johnny, thank you for the memories. I hope you and your brother are embraced in heaven as you see the whole hockey world mourning for the loss of you two.
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to ForeverFlameFan For This Useful Post:
I think the best memory was going on a boys golf trip. It was that first world championship he played in. Can’t remember if it was the spring after he played that one game or before. I wanted to watch the game so I bowed out on golf that day, which was met by much lip from dudebros. Will it translate?
The world’s best and he was the best player on the ice. Ridiculous.
Did we actually get a pick that’s unreal? For once the flames get a unicorn. There’s the Datsyuks and zettetberg late round gems but we never get that. But we did. All my buddy’s come back from golf calling me a fag.
Watch these clips buds. (All flames fans). All of us fell in love with him that day.
Flames fans don’t get nice things, but we did with Godreau.
Fans always whining he couldn’t bring us to the next level. He’s not a Messier meathead type leader. Go about your work and make everyone around you better without being a cword.
I’m just rambling
The Following User Says Thank You to fotze2 For This Useful Post:
Stolen from r/hockey, this pops up when you play NHL '24 right now
Spoiler!
__________________ MMF is the tough as nails cop that "plays by his own rules". The force keeps suspending him when he crosses the line but he keeps coming back and then cracks a big case.
-JiriHrdina
The Following User Says Thank You to BigThief For This Useful Post:
I think my favourite Johnny goal is the game tying goal against the Ducks in the 2014-15 playoffs.
That team was not supposed to achieve anything that year, but throw together a bunch of underdogs with an electric catalyst named Johnny "Hockey". Wow. Will always get chills with that one.
Another was his 2 goal double breakaway vs the Oilers in 2016 was also a treat to watch in person. Humble superstar who inspired a generation of hockey players.
Fly high #13. Your impact is felt far and wide.
Edit: It was 2015 January vs the Oilers. 2 goals in 16 seconds. The place was rocking!
__________________
Last edited by Mattman; 08-31-2024 at 03:53 PM.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Mattman For This Useful Post:
The ending of game 3 against Anaheim in 2015 is one of my all-time favourite Gaudreau/Flames moments. From Johnny's game tying goal in the dying seconds to Backlund's OT goal, which Johnny also played a big part of, quickly getting the puck back to Brodie along the boards which basically started the sequence that led to the winning goal. What a talent.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to direwolf For This Useful Post:
One thing that saddens me is that as a fan base we never got to properly thank Johnny for nine amazing seasons in Calgary. The highlight of last season for me was when we got to witness #34 raised to the rafters and the lead up to Kipper’s retirement ceremony. It was incredible to see him in his old stomping grounds and reminisce about the great times he had as a Flame with his friends and family close by.
I’m left feeling empty that Johnny won’t get to personally see the love and admiration we had for him during his tenure in Calgary. Unfortunately, when he left it didn’t play out as many had hoped, but I always felt that one day the Flames would recognize him as a pivotal part of ushering in a new era of Flames hockey. You could tell that he loved his time in Calgary and one day wanted to share his experiences of growing up here with his wife and kids.
The memorial outside the Saddledome is a terrific tribute, but I’m left feeling down that we couldn’t thank #13 in person for all that he did for our team for nearly a decade. I hope one day that the team and family can find a way to properly honor him so that fans can chant “Johnny” one last time.
Still in complete shock. Gaudreau brought me back as a fan after moving away from Calgary as a kid. Was fortunate enough to watch him play 14 times on the road and several times in Calgary. He was the worth the price of admission. Every. Single. Time
Someone put up a super comprehensive AC style highlights package, including amazing plays where he didn't score. What a special, insanely talented player.
The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to Jetfire For This Useful Post:
Man, some of those plays are just insane. That kind of natural skill and talent doesn't come along often. I'm so thankful that we got to watch him in a Flames jersey for so many years. Dude was amazing every time he stepped on the ice.
The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to direwolf For This Useful Post:
A few days later and I am still shocked this even happened. I feel like when I wake up in the morning, it was all a bad dream and it's just going to be another normal day, the upcoming hockey season on the horizon and I'll get to see Johnny and Monny back together in Columbus. Honestly, it's not that I would ever watch a bunch of Columbus games, but I'm thinking it would still pretty cool to see highlights of them together and I hope they rip it up a bit for nostalgic reasons.
Still heartbroken for the family. I don't know if we'll ever see Guy and Jane on TV again, don't blame them if they never want that, but this dark cloud will definitely be hanging over them and that's not f'ing fair at all. #### the loser who did this.
Anyways, my favorite Gaudreau story is probably the one when Hartley was the coach and Johnny, Monahan and I think Bouma were late to practice (or a game) after a night of partying. I believe they were suspended by the team for the next game. Hartley said no one is above the team and it's about setting a standard that all players must adhere to. The universal consensus was the coach was right and since the team was still going through a rebuild, that this was the right way to go about things.
Yet, I found this immensely hilarious. Just goes to show that these guys aren't puppets or video game robots going about their business for our pleasure. These are real human beings with real lives and they screw up like the rest of us. Who here hasn't pounded back a few too many and either showed up late for work, or called in sick? I mean, props to them for even showing up.
Just thought it was such a humanizing moment for them and made them seem more relatable than just blank-faced hockey players throwing pucks at a net for the fun of viewers. These are guys living the dream, went hard the night before and paid the price the next day. Always got a kick out of that story. Johnny had a bit of a party reputation in his early days but it was so cool to see him mature into the family man and father he became.
I'll also admit, I don't know a lot about his brother Matthew other then they were super close and he played a few games for the Heat a few seasons ago. Hope to learn a bit more about his life in the upcoming days.
Last edited by Huntingwhale; 08-31-2024 at 11:51 PM.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Huntingwhale For This Useful Post:
One of the users on the r/CalgaryFlames subreddit suggested renaming 13th Avenue, since it will pass right by the new arena. The idea has already gained traction there, I think it’s a great idea.
One of the users on the r/CalgaryFlames subreddit suggested renaming 13th Avenue, since it will pass right by the new arena. The idea has already gained traction there, I think it’s a great idea.
Unfortunately, that section of 13th Avenue actually goes right through the middle of the arena site and is being demolished. All that will be left is a little stub between 5A and 6th Street.
__________________
WARNING: The preceding message may not have been processed in a sarcasm-free facility.
Over his time here and depending on who you are, he was like a brother, friend, boyfriend or son. Depending on your age, we either watched him grow up, or he grew up with us. We felt his effort, his frustrations, his successes and his joys. He made us proud and it felt special having him play for us and getting to cheer for him. I'm grateful of the years we got to share with him
His loss leaves a hole in our heart. As it should. We've all lost someone we cared for and loved.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I pray for their strength, fortitude and healing.
Unfortunately, that section of 13th Avenue actually goes right through the middle of the arena site and is being demolished. All that will be left is a little stub between 5A and 6th Street.
Yeah, it's all but gone. I think people are tied up on it having to be 13th because of the number connection when they shouldn't, imo. Whatever road is most prominent around the new arena, done.
