It's still hard to believe we talk about Johnny Gaudreau in the past tense. Throughout this hockey season, there have been so many touching memorials to one of the best American players of the era. On Saturday night, there will be another one in Dubuque, Iowa.

• Remembering Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau
• Dubuque Fighting Saints Set To Retire Johnny Gaudreau's Number
• Subscribe to FloHockey to watch the USHL live and on demand all season

Johnny Gaudreau took his first strides towards the NHL as an exciting rookie with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL. In his one and only season with the club, he helped lead them to the Clark Cup and was the USHL's Rookie of the Year. A few months later, he was drafted into the NHL by the Calgary Flames.

On Saturday night, during a ceremony prior to Dubuque's game against Sioux City Musketeers, the Fighting Saints will raise No. 8 to the rafters, never to be worn again. It will be the first number retired in the franchise's history. Additionally the Gaudreau family, including Johnny's parents Guy and Jane, sisters Katie and Kristen, and Johnny's wife Meredith, will drop the puck for the ceremonial faceoff.

Guy also took the ice with Dubuque for their morning skate on Friday, as a guest coach. 

Guy Gaudreau skated with the @fightingsaints this morning ahead of Gaudreau Remembrance Night tomorrow in Dubuque. #USHL pic.twitter.com/vTClSv5aFi

— USHL (@USHL) January 10, 2025

In addition to retiring Johnny's number, the USHL will be unveiling the Gaudreau Award, which is named for both Johnny and brother Matthew who played for the Omaha Lancers while in the league. The award will go to a player who represents the qualities exhibited by Johnny and Matty throughout their careers -- excellence in hockey, spirit of the game, and care and responsibility. The award will be handed out annually, determined by players, coaches and GMs across the league.

Gaudreau has been among the most important alumni the USHL has ever had. Through his exploits on the ice, becoming a seven-time NHL All-Star Game participant, a Calder Trophy finalist, a Lady Byng winner, an NCAA champion and Hobey Baker Winner at Boston College, he was one of the great success stories of the league. He also signed on a few years ago as a minority owner of the junior team that helped launch his pro career.

Johnny Hockey will always be a part of the Dubuque Fighting Saints story and now every player who dons the red and white can look to the rafters and see the legacy that they'll be playing for.

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