As a Leaf fan that lives in Alberta, I’ve obviously been exposed Johnny Hockey a lot ever since he entered the league. I tend to watch both Alberta teams from a neutral standpoint mostly and enjoy the rivalry banter of the battle of Alberta as an outsider.
I remember when Johnny Hockey first came into the league and you guys had that magical season in 2014-15 with all the comebacks and pure heart and grit and Johnny was one of the main reason for that. First time I’m admitting this ever as I have a fan code I run by of never changing teams no matter what, but that season was probably the closes I been to buying another jersey of another team. I would watch the flames and just be jealous and say, “Damn why can’t we be a team that shows heart and have a player electrifying like Johnny”.
My sister was never a hockey fan growing up. She didn’t know much about it, could maybe name a couple commonly known players like Gretzky off the top of her head. I guess maybe in a way she made a smart choice not getting into hockey at a young age in a family of leaf fans lol.
During that 2014-15 season, my sister got into hockey and fell in love with Johnny. She even had a massive crush on him that would annoy the hell out of her boyfriends LOL. My nephews got into hockey due to her new found hobby and loved Johnny as well. My sister even got them to play hockey eventually. They were sadden when he left but my sister also let my nephews know he made a decision based on family and that comes first before hockey. They still remained fans of him after.
I owe it to Johnny because in a way, he’s a reason that gave me a connection to have with a sibling and nephews on hockey since I don’t live in same city as them and my fandom probably wouldn’t have influenced them as much as Johnny did. They probably would have just ended up playing soccer or baseball instead. I now enjoy coming into town and visiting and watching hockey, playing ice/street hockey and having friendly hockey talk banter and roast.
I don’t normally post on other teams boards and sorry for long rambling post as I think I’m just to got really gutted over this the more I digest this and still complete shock over this. I talked to my sister annd nephew and they are devastated over this news. Just mostly wanted to let this fanbase know I’m terribly sorry you’ve lost a iconic player that was the face on your franchise and that even though I wasn’t a flames fan, you guys had that kind of player that could effect other different fans of different teams positivity as well.
RIP Johnny Gaudreau and thank you