Condolences to the Gaudreau Family

In light of the morning's tragic news, a word of love and support to all who loved and knew Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew

As you have likely heard by now, last night in New Jersey, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit and killed by what state police believe to have been a drunk driver.  They were in town for their sister's wedding, which was to be today.

The thought of a joyous family occasion turned to tragedy in an instant by selfish recklessness is sickening.  Gaudreau and his wife Meredith have two young children, only intensifying the pain and horror.

Via a statement, the Blue Jackets expressed their condolences: “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.  The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.”

It is the worst imaginable way to be reminded that the players who give us the game of hockey that we love—players we are far too often willing to dismiss as invincible automatons—are indeed just as human as we are.  On behalf of the THN Detroit team, our most heartfelt condolences, prayers, and love goes out to the Gaudreaus and everyone who knew and cared about Johnny, including the Boston College hockey community and a Blue Jackets organization that had to deal with this sort of tragedy much too recently.

Without wishing to turn a tragedy into a chance to proselytize, on behalf of Gaudreau, his brother, and those they leave behind, please never even consider taking the wheel in an altered state, and please treat every bicyclist you pass with the same care you would show your own family.

Rest in peace, Johnny and Matthew.  You will be sorely missed.