Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman is bracing for an emotional matinee game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, as the contest will mark the first meeting of Johnny Gaudreau's former teams since his death in August.
"It's just kind of surreal. It still kind of feels like he’s going to be there tomorrow when you go in there," Coleman told Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Herald. "There's going to be a little bit of a heavy presence, just knowing he's not there. But I think you have to look at in a way that he'll be looking down and watching the game."
Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed in the summer after being struck by a vehicle while riding bikes. Gaudreau was about to enter his third season with the Blue Jackets after spending the first nine campaigns of his career with the Flames.
Both teams received an outpouring of support from the hockey world after the tragedy, and both organizations continue to honor Gaudreau. The Blue Jackets raised a No. 13 banner to the rafters of Nationwide Arena, their home rink, and the Flames are scheduled to host the entire Gaudreau family when the two clubs meet again in Calgary on Dec. 3.
Friday's contest will also be Sean Monahan's first against the Flames as a member of the Blue Jackets. He signed a five-year deal with Columbus over the offseason to reunite with Gaudreau, his longtime friend.
"So for the guys (Friday), to see his number in the rafters and to see Mony, that's definitely going to be tough," Flames general manager Craig Conroy said.
Puck drop for Friday's affair is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.
