Apr 13, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau (53) scores against Vancouver Canucks goaltender
Jacob Markstrom(35) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Every Calgary Flames fan will remember what they were doing on April 13, 2014, it was the first time the Calgary faithful got to see Johnny Gaudreau.
Calgary Flames fans only got a glimpse of Gaudreau, but it was enough to build excitement.
Johnny Gaudreau would score off a redirection, even though the Flames would lose 5-1 to Vancouver.
I couldn’t watch the match live, late night viewing through NHL Gamecenter would later get me a glimpse of the man they call “Johnny Hockey”.
I would be kept up to date with Johnny Gaudreau news by fellow Flames fanatic, Chris Bowen, so much was the intrigue.
There had been a lot of hype regarding Johnny Gaudreau, I don’t think I have witnessed so much excitement for a prospect in recent years.
It had been a long wait to see Gaudreau play, his Boston College performances meant Flames fans were eager to see his debut.
After Boston College was eliminated at the Frozen Four stage this year, Brian Burke and the Calgary Flames snapped up their rising star.
Johnny Gaudreau continued his Hobey Baker Award form, showing he belonged at NHL level.
Gaudreau highlighted his terrific hockey sense, something which had been used often to describe him.
Gaudreau would show that ability with terrific positioning and quick hands to grab his first marker in his NHL career, small in stature, but large in hockey ability.
A goal, plus-minus 1 and 15 minutes ice time, not bad for a kid from the college system.
“It was good experience to have before next season before I come back to training camp,” Gaudreau said.
‘‘It was fun experience and will help me.’’
It was only one game, but the signs are good. Johnny Gaudreau looking like he belonged, and Calgary fans loved every minute.
It was a special occasion for Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames, he is an important part of the Flames future, another building block for this rebuilding team.
Johnny Hockey was no longer a myth, no longer an unseen NHL talent, Johnny Gaudreau had finally arrived.
And as the Chuck Berry song goes, Johnny Be Good.