Johnny Gaudreau avoids serious injury after single-car accident

Calgary Flames forward thankful to be alive after crash

Gaudreau's car hit a light pole early Sunday morning

Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau is thankful to be alive after being involved in a single-car accident early Sunday morning.

Gaudreau's car hit a light pole in downtown Calgary at around 3:45 a.m. MT. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was released a few hours later.

The Flames released a statement saying that Gaudreau is "doing well" and is expected to make a full recovery.

"Johnny is very fortunate to be alive," said Flames general manager Brad Treliving.

"He could have been seriously injured or even killed. We are all very relieved that he is OK."

Gaudreau is one of the Flames' top players. He had 19 goals and 40 assists in 82 games last season.

The Flames are scheduled to open the regular season on Wednesday at home against the Edmonton Oilers.

It is not yet known if Gaudreau will be able to play in that game.

Gaudreau Accident