As a fan of Jonathan Marchessault, a Conn Smyth winner with the Vegas Golden Knights and the newest Nashville Predator, it's hard not to feel a mix of pride and heartbreak following the recent jersey retirement ceremony held by the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts. Watching him receive this well-deserved honor, with his number 18 now hanging proudly in the rafters, should have been a moment of pure celebration. The hometown Quebec native had 98 goals, 239 points in 254 games over four years there. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/chlhockey/status/1837906204137607399'> </a></blockquote></div> But the news surrounding the event was overshadowed by a devastating personal loss. Just a day before the ceremony, Marchessault revealed that his mother had passed away. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/miklalancette/status/1837600243459764736'> </a></blockquote></div> Hearing him speak about her during the event was truly gut-wrenching. The 33 year-old shared how much she would have loved to see him celebrated. The undrafted star still carried out with the festivities as his mother would've wanted. He didn't want to let the paying customers down either. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/chlhockey/status/1837616646812213375'> </a></blockquote></div> <q> It's difficult. I learned that I lost my mother yesterday morning. She was so good to me, she was incredible. It's part of life. She would have wanted us to be here as a family. </q> As fans, we can only extend our deepest condolences to Marchessault and his family during this incredibly tough time. We'll continue to cheer for him, knowing he carries his mother's spirit with him every time he steps on the ice during his first season with the Predators. Source: Hockey Feed <a href='https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/marchessault-makes-heartbreaking-announcement-during-jersey-retirement' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Marchessault makes heartbreaking announcement during jersey retirement</a>