Gaudreau brothers' father joins Flyers practice in Philadelphia
- John Tortorella invited the father of the late John and Matthew Gaudreau to help at Flyers training camp.
- The Gaudreau brothers were tragically killed in a bicycle accident on August 29, just before their sister's wedding.
- Tortorella aims to create a supportive environment for the Gaudreau family and honor their legacy within the team.
During a recent Philadelphia Flyers training camp, John Tortorella invited the father of the late John and Matthew Gaudreau to assist on the ice. The father, a former hockey player and coach, was initially hesitant but participated in drills, which Tortorella believes could be therapeutic for him. The Flyers' coach expressed a desire to build a relationship with the Gaudreau family, emphasizing the importance of community support following the tragic loss of the brothers. John and Matthew Gaudreau were killed in a tragic accident on August 29, when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. This incident occurred just before their sister Katie's wedding, leaving a profound impact on their family and the local hockey community. Tortorella noted that he had never met the Gaudreau brothers during his coaching career but recognized the value of having their father involved with the team. He hopes that this connection will help the family heal and foster a supportive environment within the Flyers organization. The invitation for the father to return and assist in future practices reflects the team's commitment to honoring the Gaudreau legacy and providing a space for healing through shared experiences in hockey.