Before the start of the Flames home opener, an extremely touching tribute from the Gaudreau family was played on the jumbotron in what was a very emotional night. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/columbus-blue-jackets/heartbreaking-public-statement-issued-by-johnny-gaudreau-family' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>A sweet message</a> was shared with the fans from the family of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau during the home-opener of <a href='https://www.nhl.com/flames/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Calgary Flames</a> on Saturday. The emotional tribute was played on Sportsnet during the course of the game as the family expressed their feelings of appreciation to the Flames community for having been supportive during this difficult time. <a href='https://globalnews.ca/news/10726526/former-calgary-flames-johnny-gaudreau-dead/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The tragic death of the Gaudreau brothers</a>, who died on August 29 in the most horrific accident, sent shockwaves that still resound in the hockey world. One night, the brothers were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles on a quiet rural road in Salem County, New Jersey. Their sudden and tragic demise has struck a chord deep inside the fans, teammates, and overall hockey fraternity. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/news/wayne-gretzky-and-his-family-issue-statement-on-the-gaudreau-tragedy' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>A video tribute</a> to Johnny Gaudreau was part of the pregame ceremony at the Saddledome, showcasing many highlight-reel goals and assists during his nine seasons with the club. The crowd got to its feet after a warm round of applause, giving him a standing ovation filled with mutual appreciation and memories. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/hockeypatrol/status/1845462951160905918'> </a></blockquote></div> Just before this rousing tribute, <a href='https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/gaudreau-family-thanks-calgary-we-want-to-express-our-deepest-gratitude' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Sportsnet showed a message</a> from Johnny and Matthew's parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau, along with their sisters Kristen and Katie. The family's message was one of appreciation for the outpouring of support from Flames fans, as those people have been a source of strength during such a trying time for them. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/FlamesNation/status/1845285515227963522'> </a></blockquote></div> Guy Gaudreau, wearing a red Flames hoodie, wished the team all the best as it prepared to play against <a href='https://www.nhl.com/flyers/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Philadelphia Flyers</a>, thereby sending the fans out into a cold evening feeling a little warm and fuzzy despite the tragedy of immense proportion.