Johnny Hockey to be inducted into Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame

 

Photo courtesy of MassLive.com

In a press release issued this morning, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame revealed that Gloucester Catholic High School graduate and former NHL forward Johnny Gaudreau would be officially listed among its inductees this coming November.

Gaudreau, its lone hockey entrant among the 23 inductees, died along with his younger brother, Matthew, in a one-car alleged drunk-driving incident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on Aug. 29, 2024. 

"As parents, there is no greater joy than watching your child pour their heart into something they love and seeing that dedication recognized," said Guy and Jane Gaudreau in a statement which accompanied the announcement. "John loved hockey from the very beginning. From the time he was a little boy, the game was his passion and we watched with such pride as that passion grew into something truly special.

"To see his hard work, dedication and deep love for the game honored with induction into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame fills out hearts in a way we cannot fully put into words." 

Born Aug. 13, 1993 -- the same day Phillies infielder Kim Batiste hit a walk-off grand slam to give the hosts a comeback 9-5 win over the New York Mets at Veterans Stadium -- Gaudreau was a 4th-round pick of the Calgary Flames in the 2011 entry draft.  

Gaudreau departed Gloucester Catholic High School in 2010 having led his team to an NJSIAA non-public championship, capping a torrid final two seasons where he posted a combined 51 goals and 57 assists. He was eventually inducted into the New Jersey High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame back in 2018.

In his lone season with Dubuque of the United States Hockey League -- the American equivalent to Canadian juniors -- the speedy, left-handed shooter posted 72 points in 60 games. 

Then, across three seasons at Boston College, Gaudreau recorded 175 points in 139 appearances (78G, 97A). During his freshman season, he sprung for 44 points in 44 games as BC won its most recent national title. Two seasons later, he erupted for a nation-leading 80 points (36G, 44A) in 40 contests as the Eagles reached the Frozen Four in Philadelphia before falling to eventual national champion Union College. For this effort, Gaudreau was selected as the Hobey Baker Award winner as the best men's D1 player in the NCAA.

Gaudreau made his NHL debut immediately thereafter for the Flames, eventually departing Calgary following the 2021-22 season after recording 743 points in 763 games (243G, 500A), alongside 11 goals and 22 assists over 42 playoff games. He finished third in voting for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2014-15, compiling 24 goals and 40 assists in 80 starts, including 8 power-play goals and 4 game-winning scores.

He spent his final two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, totaling 33G & 101A over 161 contests.

Gaudreau represented the United States in multiple international competitions, helping the Stars and Stripes win a World Junior championship in 2013 when the tourney was held in Russia.

The 7-time All-Star selection led the league with a plus-64 rating in his final season with the Flames, while also voted the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league's most gentlemanly player following the 2016-17 season.

One of the most striking moments from Team USA's gold-medal-winning performance, a 2-1 overtime decision against Team Canada in the Olympics this past Feb. 22, occurred when several of Gaudreau's would-be teammates carried his jersey onto the ice for a victory lap and later inclusion with a team photo as a part of their post-game celebration.

For more on the date, time, location and other inductees chosen for the ceremony, bang the link here.