COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — On Wednesday night, fans and players of the Columbus Blue Jackets came together for a heartfelt candlelight vigil outside the team’s arena to honor Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The brothers tragically lost their lives last week when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey.
The vigil featured a memorial that measured 20 feet deep and 40 feet wide, filled with jerseys, candles, balloons, stuffed animals, Gatorade bottles, and signs. Players such as captain Boone Jenner, defenseman Erik Gudbranson, and forward Cole Sillinger took turns sharing their memories and the inspiration they drew from knowing Johnny Gaudreau.
Gudbranson reflected on his long-standing friendship with Gaudreau, which began when they were teammates on the Calgary Flames. He shared amusing anecdotes about how Gaudreau was always cutting it close to arrive on time for team meetings and how he could change out of his gear and into a suit quicker than Gudbranson could get out of his skates.
“One thing I used to do with Johnny was pick him up and give him a bear hug, and I wouldn’t let him go until he told me he loved me,” Gudbranson recounted, prompting laughter from the crowd. “He often took a long time to say it, but I know it was because he loved the hug. We miss him so much.”
As the time marked 8:08, marking an emotional moment for the crowd, chants of “Johnny Hockey, Johnny Hockey, Johnny Hockey” echoed outside the arena. Afterwards, players walked back inside together. A similar vigil was also held in Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau played for nearly ten years.
Earlier that day in Columbus, players and General Manager Don Waddell tried to process the heartbreaking tragedy. Waddell expressed, “While there’s a huge hole in our lineup, there’s an even bigger one in our hearts,” acknowledging that questions linger about how the team will move forward. “Our immediate focus is on supporting the Gaudreau family and leaning on each other as we mourn Johnny and Matthew’s loss.”
Waddell emphasized that the team would lean on its leaders to guide them through this tough time. Jenner, who has been captain since 2021, stated, “As a team, we’re going to get through this together. We will grieve, cry, be vulnerable, and support one another every step of the way, but we will persevere because I know that’s what Johnny would’ve wanted.”
Gudbranson added that even though he has sometimes struggled to connect with some teammates, Gaudreau’s unique personality helped bring them closer. “You will continue to inspire me to be just like you,” he said.
In 2022, Gaudreau chose to sign a $68.25 million, seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets, turning down a more lucrative offer from the New Jersey Devils. Defenseman Zach Werenski highlighted Gaudreau’s impact on the city of Columbus, saying, “You brought so much joy and excitement to this city. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
Last Thursday evening, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling in Oldmans Township when a 43-year-old man, Sean M. Higgins, attempted to overtake two vehicles and struck them from behind around 8 p.m. Tragically, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The police reported that Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving and other offenses.
Gudbranson concluded his speech with a vital message for anyone considering drinking and driving. “If you think about getting behind the wheel after a few drinks, please, please don’t. Find a way to get home safely,” he urged.
At the annual NHLPA rookie showcase outside Washington, union executive director Marty Walsh noted the broader impact of the tragedy on the hockey community. “The deaths of Johnny and his brother are affecting many players across the league, their alma mater, Boston College, as well as the community in Boston,” he remarked. “The tributes to them are beautiful, and we must continue to support their family as best as we can.”
___
Contributions to this report were made by AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno in Arlington, Virginia.
___
For more information, visit AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
