Calgary Flames touching pre-game Gaudreau ceremony had everyone in tears

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The Calgary Flames pre-game ceremony honouring Johnny Gaudreau was every bit as emotional as everyone figured it would be.

To kick things off, all players on both sides hit the ice wearing Gaudreau jerseys with his No. 13 on the back.

These Flames warmup jerseys, along with tonight’s 50/50 proceeds, will directed to MADD Canada and KidSport Calgary.

After warmups was when things got real misty-eyed at the Saddledome, as the Gaudreau family was shown on the Flames bench to watch a beautiful tribute video honouring Johnny. Among those on the bench were his parents, Guy and Jane, his wife, Meredith, and his children, Noa and Johnny, and his two sisters, Katie and Kristen.

Following the tribute, the entire Gaudreau family went onto the ice to take part in a puck drop ceremony. Mikael Backlund and Sean Monahan lined up for the draw, while all members from the Flames and Blue Jackets joined for a photo.

It was an extremely emotional moment, with Flames fans chanting ‘Johnny’ while the Gaudreau family, along with several players on both sides, were doing their best to hold back tears.

It was announced last week that the Flames would be flying the Gaudreau family to Calgary to take part in tonight’s beautiful ceremony, and the organization has been doing all they can to help ease their pain.

One of those things included having Guy hit the ice for yesterday’s practice and today’s morning skate. He helped participate in some drills, and spent several moments talking to Flames legend Lanny McDonald.

Prior to the pre-game ceremony, Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie was able to sit down with Meredith for a touching interview, where she revealed that she got a tattoo of her late husband’s autograph earlier today.

While there is nothing that will ever make up for this horrible tragedy, tonight allowed Flames fans to show the Gaudreau family just how much they mean to the city of Calgary.

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