When you’re a star as legendary as Johnny Gaudreau, it’s no surprise that players want to honor you in the most heartfelt ways. Back in October, Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf paid a touching tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau by featuring them on his mask. Every team wore a decal with the numbers 13 and 21, a somber yet powerful tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, whose tragic passing left a void in the hockey world.
Even the Columbus Blue Jackets joined in, with goalie Elvis Merzlikins rocking his own special tribute—his mask proudly featuring No. 13 and a plate of plain pasta, a small but meaningful nod to Johnny. When the Flames shared their tribute on social media, the Blue Jackets responded with two hearts in their team colors, making the moment even more emotional. It’s truly heartwarming to witness such a powerful tribute, and now, Calgary Flames goalie opens up about his Johnny Gaudreau mask in a deeply emotional moment.
Johnny Gaudreau gets an emotional tribute!
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.
Special goalie mask tribute for a special person in Johnny Gaudreau
A peek into Dustin Wolf’s world pic.twitter.com/fNMGyJOFcL
— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) March 17, 2025
Dustin Wolf, the Calgary Flames’ netminder, took a deep breath before sharing the meaning behind his mask. “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.”
Wolf went all out with this tribute! His mask’s backplate proudly showcases a detailed image of Johnny Gaudreau rocking his classic red Flames jersey, stick raised high, soaking in the love from the crowd. And because no tribute is complete without some personal touches, Wolf added a nod to Gaudreau’s go-to game-day treats—purple Gatorade and Skittles—little reminders of his nine unforgettable seasons in Calgary. And guess what? Johnny Gaudreau was honored in another special way too!
Another tribute for the Gaudreau brothers!
Less than a year ago, on August 29, the hockey world was shaken to its core. The loss of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau wasn’t just felt by their family—it rippled through locker rooms, arenas, and every corner of the NHL. Some knew them as loyal teammates, others as fierce competitors with magic in their sticks. But no matter the role they played, one thing was undeniable—the Gaudreau brothers left an impact that was larger than life. Since their passing, the hockey community has wrapped its arms around their memory, finding ways to keep their legacy alive. The NHL, its players, and teams have honored them in countless heartfelt tributes.
And now, the New Jersey Devils have taken it a step further. Understanding that legends deserve to be remembered in a way that stands the test of time, the franchise has introduced the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award—a prestigious honor dedicated to recognizing top college hockey talent. Announcing the news on Instagram, the Devils couldn’t have found a better way to celebrate the brothers’ lasting imprint on 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 shared 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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