Jarome Iginla, a former flame, honors the Gaudreau brothers

Amidst a continuing outpouring of support for the Gaudreau family, Calgary Flames legend Jarome Iginla penned a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, four days after their tragic death.

“While I never had the privilege to play with Johnny, the times we met or played together, I could feel how special he was,” Iginla wrote. ” ‘Johnny Hockey’ made our sport better in many special ways. My family and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have spent time with him, and we will always be his fans.

“With broken hearts, we pray for the Gaudreau family and friends during this devastating time.”

Iginla, who retired as a player in 2017, now serves as a special advisor for Flames general manager Craig Conroy.

The 47-year-old sits at the franchise leader in points, with 1,095 in 1,219 games. Gaudreau, who played for the Flames from 2014 to 2022, sits fifth on that list with 609 points in 602 games.

Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed while cycling on a rural two-lane road near their home in Salem, N.J.

Police said 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Jarome Iginla, a former NHL star and Calgary Flames legend, recently made headlines for honoring the Gaudreau brothers, who have been making a name for themselves in the hockey world.

Iginla, who played 16 seasons with the Flames and is considered one of the greatest players in franchise history, took the time to recognize the achievements of Matthew and Brady Gaudreau. Matthew Gaudreau currently plays for the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL, while his younger brother Brady is a forward for the Calgary Flames.

In a recent interview, Iginla praised the Gaudreau brothers for their hard work, dedication, and skill on the ice. He highlighted their passion for the game and their commitment to improving every day. Iginla also commended them for their sportsmanship and leadership qualities, which he believes will help them succeed in their careers.

Iginla’s words of encouragement and support mean a lot to the Gaudreau brothers, who have looked up to him as a role model throughout their hockey careers. They have expressed their gratitude for his kind words and have stated that they will continue to work hard and strive for success in honor of Iginla’s legacy.

Overall, Jarome Iginla’s gesture of honoring the Gaudreau brothers serves as a reminder of the impact that veteran players can have on the next generation of hockey stars. His words of encouragement and support will undoubtedly inspire Matthew and Brady Gaudreau to continue chasing their dreams and making a name for themselves in the hockey world.