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Johnny Gaudreau is a star that continues to shine. Every team in the NHL continues to wear decals with the numbers 13 and 21 this season as a somber yet powerful tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, whose tragic passing left a void in the hockey world. Meanwhile, Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf is paying his tribute in his own unique way—by featuring Johnny Hockey on his mask. On March 17, the Calgary Flames goalie speaks about his Johnny Gaudreau mask in a very emotional manner.

In a heartfelt moment captured by Sports on Prime Canada, the host couldn’t help but highlight one of hockey’s most personal pieces of gear—the goalie mask. “I have to say, the goalie mask has to be the coolest piece of equipment in hockey because it’s where you actually get to show your personality as well, and it tells a story. What story does your goalie mask tell?” they asked, setting the stage for an emotional response.

Dustin Wolf, the Flames’ goaltender, paused briefly before explaining the meaning behind his mask design. “Yeah, this year was a pretty special one. Obviously, the drill has been in the Flames organization for a long time, an absolutely horrific event that happened in the summer. So on the back, I have Johnny after he scored in Game 7.” He continued, “Which I’m wearing is Dallas and some Skittles and Gatorade that he really enjoyed on the back, and it’s been a tribute to him. You kind of think that he’s looking over myself and our team throughout the season.”

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Wolf went all out with this tribute! The back plate of his mask depicts Johnny Gaudreau with Flames’ traditional red jersey with stick up high celebrating the reception from fans. And because no tribute is complete without some personal touches, Wolf added a reference to game-day treats—purple Gatorade and Skittles—little reminders of his nine unforgettable seasons in Calgary.

 

A similar gesture also came from Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins who added the number 13 on the chin of his new mask. He even made sure to include two subtle details. On the right, it has a plate of pasta—Johnny’s favorite pre-game meal, while on the left it has a beer bottle—his favorite post-game drink. Indeed, these tributes are a testament to the relationship that Johnny Hockey shared with the NHL community, and more like them continue to honor his legacy.

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Do these heartfelt tributes to Johnny Gaudreau show the true spirit of hockey's brotherhood?

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Another tribute for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew!

Less than a year ago, on August 29, the hockey world was shaken to its core. The absence of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau did not only affect their family but anyone who knew them, the dressing rooms, the ice rinks, and the entire NHL. Some knew them as good teammates, others as formidable opponents with magic in their sticks. But no matter the role they played, there was no doubt that the Gaudreau brothers made their mark and it was a big one. After their demise, people in the hockey fraternity have embraced their memory in every way possible to ensure that they are remembered. The NHL, its players, and teams have honored them in countless heartfelt tributes.

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And now, the New Jersey Devils have gone a step further. Knowing that legends have to be remembered in a way that is as timeless as the legends themselves, the franchise has come up with the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award, an award that seeks to reward the best talents in college hockey. The news was shared on the Instagram page of the Devils, and the organization could not have picked a better way to celebrate the brothers’ legacy that they left behind in the game.

“As part of today’s NJSIAA High School Championships, one player from each state final matchup will receive the newly-created Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award, 2025,” the franchise revealed last week. From Team USA dedicating victories in their name to NHL teams turning games into heartfelt homages, the hockey world has made sure the Gaudreau brothers will never be forgotten.

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Do these heartfelt tributes to Johnny Gaudreau show the true spirit of hockey's brotherhood?

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