The feeling is mutual to the U.S. players and staff.
“It’s special for us,” forward Vincent Trocheck said.
Hanifin, who played with Johnny in Calgary and Matthew at BC, said players were emotional when they saw Guy Gaudreau at dinner. They did not know he was going to be there.
“I’m really happy the guys here who are running it invited him because it means a lot to him,” Hanifin said. “He loves hockey, and he is so passionate about the game. I think it’s comforting for him being around us, being on the ice. Even when I was playing with Johnny and Matt, Guy was always at practice and the games. Having him here was great.”
Said Boldy: “You want to remember them. They belong here. They’re such a big part of USA Hockey and the hockey world in general. It kind of puts things into perspective a little bit, too, to make sure you enjoy it, that you have fun.”
For Guy, being a part of the team Monday night and Tuesday was a reminder of the impact Johnny and Matthew made when they were here, an impact that continues even in death.
“He was a good person,” Guy said of Johnny. “He loved the game. He loved his teammates, loved being with his teammates. Matt in the same way. He didn’t reach quite the levels that John did, but he played semipro for a little while. They were good boys, and I miss them a lot.”
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