John Tortorella honours Johnny Gaudreau's father

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Finnegan Frost
September 23, 2024 (12:22)

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As the world of hockey continues to remember the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella is being applauded for a recent classy gesture.

John Tortorella, the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers honored the Guy Gaudreau, the father of the two men who were killed when they were struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey, on Aug. 29.

As per the Athletic, Guy Gaudreau, the father of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, helped run a Philadelphia Flyers training-camp skate Monday at the invitation of coach John Tortorella.

Guy, 67, is a former hockey coach at nearby Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School, where he helped coach his two sons, Matthew and Johnny.

According to sources, Tortorella, who attended the funeral for the brothers, reached out to Guy by telephone and met him for the first time Monday.

«I figured it's perfect just to get him in with us,» Tortorella said. «He was hesitant at first and we kind of let him go at his timetable. I think it worked out really well today.»

«We'll see if we can get him out here a couple more times and have him be part of it,» Tortorella said. «I want him to be part of it. He's a coach. It was great to have him here, and we'll see where it goes.»

«He was giving me s- that I was yelling at the players to skate harder,» Tortorella said. «He says, ''You only have three lines out here, how much harder can they go?'' So, he's paying attention.» Said Tortorella

John Tortorella is known as one of the more controversial coaches in the NHL. He's recognized for being a fiery personality with a history of spastic outbursts and a demanding coaching style.

Despite what the league may think of Tortorella, this was an extremely classy gesture by the Flyers head coach. Guy Gaudreau coached his two sons from a young age, so he clearly knows a thing or two about the game of hockey.

Oilers Insider would like to continue to send their condolences to the Gaudreau family.

source: The Athletic
Johnny Gaudreau's father on ice for Flyers practice after invitation