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USHL’s Dubuque to retire Gaudreau’s No. 8 jersey

USHL’s Dubuque to retire Gaudreau’s No. 8 jersey

Dubuque of the United States Hockey League will retire Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 8 jersey on Saturday.

Gaudreau played for Dubuque as a 17-year-old in 2010-11. He was voted USHL Rookie of the Year after finishing second in the league with 36 goals and fourth with 72 points in 60 regular season games, and then scored 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 11 playoff games to help Dubuque to win the championship. Clark Cup as league champions.

In the 2011 NHL Draft, the Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round (No. 104).

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died Aug. 29 when they were hit by an alleged drunk driver charged with two counts of death by car while they were riding their bicycles near their home in Salem County. , New Jersey.

Gaudreau’s jersey will be the first one Dubuque retires.

“While Johnny only played one season with us, it was a memorable and magical season and was instrumental in the Fighting Saints winning the Clark Cup in our first year back in Dubuque,” ​​said Managing Partner Brad Kwong. “His No. 8 hanging in the rafters will be an inspiration to all the young hockey players who play in this arena and particularly to those players who suit up for the Fighting Saints. His enthusiastic spirit and love for the game will always be present.”

Gaudreau remained involved with Dubuque throughout his NHL career, taking an ownership stake in 2018.

“I had a pretty special experience in Dubuque,” ​​Gaudreau told NHL.com at the time. “My agent said to me, ‘Do you want to be part of the ownership group?’ And I said yes right away.

“When I was there, it was a special experience playing there. I want to help those kids have a special experience in the USHL too.”