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Gaudreau being remembered for making the battle of Alberta special

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Finnegan Frost
September 3, 2024 (12:10)

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Photo credit: The Sun

NHL enthusiasts are honouring Johnny Gaudreau for making the "Battle of Alberta" something very special to watch.

Johnny and his brother Matthew were struck by a vehicle near their home in Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night. Unfortunately, both Johnny and Matthew passed away as a result of the accident.

Despite the horrific tragedy, NHL fans in Alberta are honouring Johnny Hockey for his all-star years with the Calgary Flames, bringing the intensity back to the BOA (battle of Alberta)

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Edmonton had a unique relationship with Johnny Gaudreau, who starred for the archrival Calgary Flames from 2014 to 2022. Of every NHL opponent, Gaudreau played his most games (45) and scored his most goals (14, four of them being game-winners) in the regular season against the Oilers.

Gaudreau was someone Oilers fans loved to hate, which is the greatest compliment you can receive as a member of the Flames. That means you're doing something right. And, boy, did Gaudreau ever do a lot of good for Calgary in the Battle of Alberta.

The Battle of Alberta lost its significance during the Oilers "decade of darkness". What was once such a thrilling series to watch in the 80's and 90's became a dull affair, until the emergence of Johnny Gaudreau with the Calgary Flames.

Many Oilers enthusiasts will remember the 2022 playoffs when the Calgary Flames faced off against the Oilers for one of the more notable BOA's in history.

Edmonton won the best-of-seven battle, four games to one, but not for lack of contributions from Gaudreau. The left winger led the Flames with six points in the series, and had a whopping 27 shots on goal, setting a franchise record for most in a postseason series lasting five games.

I think its safe to say that the Oilers can thank Johnny Gaudreau for his years of entertainment, and for making the BOA great once again.

source: The hockey writersGaudreau Remembered in Edmonton for All He Brought to Battle of Alberta

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John Tavares opens up about Johnny Gaudreau's passing

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