Death of Gaudreau brothers brings hockey world together in grief

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The sight of Johnny Gaudreau’s No., 13 outlined in black mourning on the Columbus Blue Jackets social media feeds drew  the world-wide hockey family together in grief and the wider sports world. 

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‘Johnny Hockey’, one of the National Hockey League’s brightest and most popular stars, a husband and father, along with brother Matthew, was confirmed dead in a Thursday night collision of a car that reportedly tried to pass two other vehicles and struck the two cyclists from behind near their hometown of Salem, N.J. Local police laid charges against the male driver, including two counts of death by auto, alcohol-related offences while they await toxicology reports on him. 

Outside Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus, fans in team jerseys placed flowers, club baseball caps and messages at an entrance below the outdoor video screen that portrayed Johnny’s image.

“An unimaginable tragedy,” the Jackets posted on ‘X’.  “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly, a loving husband, father (of two children), son, brother and friend. Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played.” 

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Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, had also attended Boston College, Matthew playing professionally up to the 2021-22 season in the AHL and ECHL. The brothers were together to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia on Friday.

As the news broke first in Eastern Canada, Toronto was among the NHL teams expressing sympathy Friday morning. Brad Treliving, the Maple Leafs general manager, knew Gaudreau well from his nine seasons as GM of the Calgary Flames where Gaudreau played between 2013-22. Treliving had a close relationship with Gaudreau and his family during their long association in Calgary, that withstood contractual issues that led to him leaving for Columbus as a free agent.

“I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew’s passing,” Treliving said in a statement through the Leafs. “John was a truly special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice. His thousand-watt smile and infectious personality were matched only by his love for his family, friends, and those close to him. He brought joy to everyone around him and to the many who never knew him, but marveled at his excellence on the ice.

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“John was a beloved teammate and a friend to so many in the hockey community, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. My heart goes out to the entire Gaudreau family — to his Mom and Dad, Jane and Guy; his sisters, Kristen and Katie; his loving wife, Meredith; his precious children, Noa and Johnny; and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.”

Undeterred by his 5-foot-9 frame and low draft in the fourth round in 2011, Gaudreau was third on the 2014 Calder Trophy ballot and part of that year’s NHL all-rookie team. His winning of the 2017 Lady Byng Trophy for skilled play, combined with exemplary on-ice conduct, spoke volumes of his respect around the NHL.   

Leaf forward Max Domi posted the news was “devastating” and though he and Gaudreau just missed each other departing and arriving in Columbus, he described Gaudreau as “always. smiling, always happy. Incredible guy. Everyone loved Johnny. Rest in peace brother.” 

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In part of his statement, commissioner Gary Bettman relayed the story of Gaudreau’s father, Guy, teaching him to skate in southern New Jersey, instilling him with the passion to play 11 NHL seasons. 

“We grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice.  

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“A skilled playmaker, he participated in the All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favourite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited. 

“He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, compiling the franchise’s fifth-highest career points total. His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs.” 

Players Association executive director Marty Walsh’s statement read in part: “The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by these terrible losses. We express our sincerest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family.”

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Former home state Governor Chris Christie, paid tribute on ‘X’ via his almost 900,000 followers to Johnny as “a New Jersey legend” adding “when I went on a Canadian trade mission as Governor, I was given a Flames’ Gaudreau jersey. He was NJ. Our heart goes out to the Gaudreau family. Simply awful.”

The brothers both played at Gloucester Catholic High School (Matthew coached for a time there when his playing days ended) and later Boston College, the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14.

“The entire BC community is stunned,” the school posted. “Johnny was not only one of the greatest BC players ever, but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player and beloved by teammates.”

At Jersey’s Holydell Arena where one story was Guy spread Skittles’ candy around the ice to encourage the boys power skating —  management eulogized the brothers, and Matthew’s decision to launch and coach a Tier 2 program at the facility.

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“As the best of success stories, Matty and Johnny have motivated countless young players in the South Jersey community.”

Johnny had played in the most recent world hockey championships for Team USA, breaking Patrick Kane’s American points’ record in the tournament with 43. Team USA issued a statement that included “words cannot appropriately express the sorrow the hockey community is feeling today.” 

It was Jarmo Kekalainen who lured Johnny to Columbus from the Flames in a seven-year, $68 million US deal that the former Jackets’ GM had trumpeted was a landmark move to make the small market team a desired NHL destination. 

“R.I.P. Johnny and Matthew,” the Finn posted Friday, “fine young men with a beautiful family that seemed so close … gone way too soon.” 

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NBA superstar LeBron James, an Ohio native, was moved by the news the brothers had been killed so apparently recklessly.

“Insane man!,” James posted. “I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. May Johnny and Matthews fly high, guide/guard and bless their families from the heavens above.”

Major League Baseball’s social media feed also sent “heartfelt condolences” to the Gaudreau clan and the NHL. All-star Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and a Jersey native, also sent a message. 

The Jackets said there would be no further announcements at this time, asking for prayers for the family and for the public to respect their privacy. In July 2021, the Jackets also lost goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, an accidental death when he was struck in the chest by a firework. Columbus’s first home game this season is Oct. 15 against Florida. 

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