Gaudreau family respond to Flames tribute on Saturday.

On Saturday night, during their home opener, the Calgary Flames went above and beyond in their efforts to properly honor the memory of former Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau.

The Flames put on a truly beautiful tribute that included photographs, highlights from Johnny Gaudreau's career, and a brilliant lighting display that really drove home just how much Johnny had meant to the city of Calgary and to the entire hockey world at large during his time as a player in the National Hockey League. The Flames received a great deal of praise for the beautiful show they put on, and rightfully so, but no praise matters more than that which they received directly from the Gaudreau family.

In an equally great show of class, the family of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau published a short video in which they thanked the Flames and the fans in Calgary for their efforts in honoring not only the memory of Johnny, who played many years of hockey in that city, but also the memory of Matthew as well.

"Hi Calgary," said Jane Gaudreau. "On behalf of the entire Gaudreau family, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our Calgary family. Your thoughts, your prayers, your cards, your gifts and your visits have meant the world to us. The love and support you have shown for John, Matty, and our entire family has helped us through the hardest time in our lives."

Each member of the family that was present shared a part of the family's message to the city and the fans in Calgary, but the most heartbreaking part of the video came when Johnny and Matthew's father, Guy Gaudreau, spoke. Guy appeared despondent and the pain that he is feeling after losing his two boys was clearly etched all over his face.

"Good luck to the Flames tonight, we're very excited to watch you play," said Guy Gaudreau.

My heart breaks for Guy Gaudreau and the entire Gaudreau family, and I commend them for finding the strength to put this video together in spite of the terrible ordeal they are going through.