Lanny McDonald Gives Heartfelt Tribute to Gaudreau Brothers During Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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Graham Montgomery
November 12, 2024 (8:07)

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Calgary Flames legend and hockey hall of famer Lanny McDonald paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau yesterday during the 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Its only been less than three months since we lost the Gaudreau brothers but it feels like a lifetime ago.

We have seen so many tributes made to the brothers since their passing, especially from the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, the two teams Johnny played for in his NHL career.

The hockey world is still healing from their loss as we could see last night during the annual Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Former Flames forward and Hall of Fame member Lanny McDonald gave a short speech honoring the brothers one more time.

"Everyone here at the hall would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The news on September 1st devastated the hockey world and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Johnny and Matthew. These boys were inseparable from birth. Living out their hockey dreams by playing for Boston College for Johnny's last year before turning pro. I got to know Johnny and his family quite well during his eight seasons with the Flames and I can tell you nobody loved the game or played over his weight class like Johnny Gaudreau did. He was a joy to be around and everyone in the hockey world will miss him and his brother Matthew. Everyone who knows the game knows Johnny would have been here some day. Tonight, he and Matthew are in our thoughts and prayers of everyone in the hockey community and at the Hall of Fame."

The emotion in his voice was obvious. There were several pauses and moments where McDonald appears to be fighting back tears.

Of course, he did know the brothers personally, which is why he was a good candidate to make the tribute in the first place.

When the news of their passing first came out, he even shared a story about Matthew, one of his favorite moments of Johnny's career in Calgary.

The NHL appears to really be going out of their way to dedicate this entire season to the Gaudreau brothers. To many it still feels surreal that they are gone. May they rest in peace.

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