Gaudreau enjoys memorable homecoming

Johnny Gaudreau will always remember his first time playing as a professional in Philadelphia. The 21-year-old product of Gloucester Catholic had an assist on Jiri Hudler's winning goal as the Calgary Flames earned a 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.

Known as Johnny Hockey, Gaudreau now has 15 goals and 30 assists for 45 points in what has been a highly successful rookie season, one that earned him a place in the NHL all-star game as an injury replacement.

Gaudreau, who hails from Pedricktown, Salem County, got to spend three days at home, sleeping in his own bed and enjoying home-cooked meals. The Flames had a game Friday night at the New York Islanders and then spent the next three days in Philadelphia.

"At first at warm-ups it was a little bit different, but after the first shift it felt like a normal game," he told reporters afterwards. "It was a huge game for us because we are fighting for playoffs right now and we are missing our best player, our captain."

He was referring to Mark Girodano who recently suffered a season-ending biceps injury. As for the playoff race, the Flames would qualify as of today as the third place team I the Pacific Division.

"I knew this was a huge game for us so you had to think of it as just another game,"Gaudreau said.

Easier said than done.

Gaudreau couldn't contain his excitement afterwards at winning such a big game I his backyard.

"You know it was a great game for me," he said. "I had a blast playing here today."

How could he not have a blast after this outcome?

"I helped set up the overtime goal and here in Philly with a ton of people watching me, was pretty exciting for me."

Gaudreau made his first appearance in the opening 90 seconds of the game and he experienced something many visiting players don't in Philadelphia – a huge ovation.

"I grew up watching the Flyers and I was a huge fan of them growing up and to get to be on the ice tonight and to get to play against the was just a special night," he said.

The same can be said on Monday when he had his jersey retired at Gloucester Catholic.

"To get to get my jersey retired it doesn't happen to you every single day," he said. "I got a ton of support there from old teachers, faculty and alumni, so it was a pretty special day yesterday."

The entire time was special and there is no doubt that no matter how long he plays in the NHL, Gaudreau will never forget his first trip back home as a comsummate professional.