Calgary Flames fans gave Johnny Gaudreau a very hostile reception Monday night as the forward played his first game at the Scotiabank Saddledome as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Last summer, “Johnny Hockey” took advantage of his complete autonomy to sign a seven-year contract worth a total of $68.25 million. He thus left the Flames, the team with which he played the first nine seasons of his career.
Even before the initial face-off took place, spectators booed Gaudreau as he entered the ice surface during the warm-up. The first time he touched the puck in the first period, the fans did it once more with force. They also sang “Johnny” ironically during his second appearance on the ice.
The small forward later earned a penalty shot, following being hooked by defender MacKenzie Weegar. Under the boos, Gaudreau missed the target.
The small forward later earned a penalty shot, following being hooked by defender MacKenzie Weegar. Under the boos, Gaudreau missed the target (to see in the video at the top of the article).
The American finally got some love from his former supporters, who gave him a standing ovation during the broadcast of a video paying tribute to him. This was short-lived, however, as the boos flared up once more when the game resumed.
Johnny Gaudreau honored on his return to Calgary –
This was short-lived, however, as the boos flared up once more when footage of him waving to the crowd appeared on the giant screen.
It was also possible to see signs addressing the 29-year-old athlete. On one of them, there was a photo of Gaudreau in the uniform of the Blue Jackets and it was possible to read: “BOOODREAU. Here’s the look you have when you’re not making the playoffs.”
Heading into Monday’s game, the Ohio team was bottom in the Bettman league with a poor 14-30-2 record. Gaudreau scored 13 goals and 44 points in his first 43 games with the Blue Jackets.