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WWE showcases Calgary’s tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

On Monday, September 9th, the WWE recognized Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in what was an outstanding tribute outside the Scotiabank Saddledome.

By Todd Matthews

May 26, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) skates during the warmup period against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
May 26, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) skates during the warmup period against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images / Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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Before he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny Gaudreau was one of the star players for the Calgary Flames, entertaining fans with some unforgettable seasons, the best of which came in 2021-22, when he put up 40 goals and 115 points. 

Tragically, Johnny and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, lost their lives on August 29th, 2024, and funeral services were held on Monday, September 9th. That evening, WWE RAW was in town at Scotiabank Saddledome, where they had a segment recognizing Johnny and Matthew, which you can view in the clip from X below:

As you can see, the tribute showed thousands of memorabilia commemorating the brothers, and it shows just how much of an impact Johnny made on the hockey fans in Calgary, both on and off the ice, while the broadcast informed viewers about how much he meant to the community. 

Fans in Calgary will always remember Johnny Gaudreau’s impact

Many fans will remember Johnny Gaudreau for his on and off-ice contributions, but his legacy in Calgary will inspire many to take up the game and to live in a way that positively impacts others. 

What always jumped out at me regarding Johnny was that he managed to, whether in Columbus or Calgary, to play one of the most physical games in existence despite his 5’9, 165 lb frame. That alone made him an inspiration to those who may have, at one time or another, felt they lacked the size to play the game at such a premier level. 

Johnny proved that myth wrong time and again, and he did so by exhibiting a professional standard and serving as a role model that young hockey fans can look up to, evidenced by his winning of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017, and warranting strong consideration for the award on multiple occasions. 

We will surely see more tributes made to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in every arena this season, plus places in which he played before reaching the NHL. Overall, it was a classy move by WWE to pay recognition to Johnny and Matthew, and to showcase the impact he had on hockey fans in Calgary, Alberta.

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