Jackets gamers, followers bear in mind Gaudreaus at vigil

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Followers and Columbus Blue Jackets gamers gathered for an emotional candlelight vigil exterior the staff’s area Wednesday evening to recollect Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew, who died last week after they have been struck by a suspected drunken driver whereas driving bicycles of their residence state of New Jersey.

The group of of roughly 1,000 exterior Nationwide Enviornment was inspired at 7:49 p.m. to gentle their candles. For the following 13:21 — for Johnny’s jersey No. 13 and Matthew’s No. 21 — they stood in silent remembrance watching a close-by video display as a slideshow performed of the brothers from childhood, via their teenage years and into school hockey, the professionals, marriages, baptisms and lives stuffed with pleasure and love.

Flanked by a memorial 20 toes deep and 40 toes extensive of jerseys, candles, balloons, stuffed animals, Gatorade bottles and signage, gamers together with captain Boone Jenner, defenseman Erik Gudbranson and ahead Cole Sillinger shared reminiscences and inspirations they gained from figuring out Johnny Gaudreau.

Gudbranson had identified Gaudreau the longest, courting to their time as teammates with the Calgary Flames. He made the gang chuckle sharing tales of Gaudreau barely making it on time to each staff assembly and the way he could possibly be out of the locker room in his swimsuit earlier than Gudbranson had gotten out of his skates.

“Somewhat factor I did with John is I might decide him up and provides him a bear hug, and I would not put him down till he instructed me he cherished me,” Gudbranson instructed the gang. “He would not inform me for a very long time. I do know up right here it was as a result of he loved the hug. We simply miss him a lot.”

When the timer completed counting up and candle wax and tears commingled on the bricks exterior the world, chants started: “Johnny Hockey, Johnny Hockey, Johnny Hockey.”

At 8:08, the gamers moved again contained in the constructing as one. The same vigil was deliberate for Calgary.

Earlier within the day in Columbus, gamers and basic supervisor Don Waddell tried to make sense of the mindless tragedy.

“Whereas there’s an enormous gap in our lineup, there’s a fair larger one in our hearts,” Waddell mentioned, acknowledging questions stay about how the staff will transfer ahead. “Our rapid focus is on supporting the Gaudreau household and supporting one another as we proceed to grieve the lack of Johnny and Matthew.”

Waddell mentioned the staff will look to their leaders. Jenner, who has been captain since 2021, mentioned the Blue Jackets should persevere and assist one another as a collective unit.

“As a staff, we’ll get via this collectively,” Jenner mentioned. “We’ll grieve, cry, be weak and assist one another each step of the best way, however we are going to persevere as a result of I do know that is what Johnny would’ve wished.”

Gudbranson mentioned that whereas he has struggled to search out constant connections with many teammates, Gaudreau’s distinctive approach of driving him loopy introduced them collectively.

“You’ll proceed to encourage me to be similar to you,” Gudbranson mentioned.

Gaudreau turned down extra money from the New Jersey Devils to signal a $68.25 million, seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022.

Defensemen Zach Werenski highlighted Gaudreau’s determination to maneuver and embrace the town of Columbus.

“You introduced a lot pleasure and pleasure to this metropolis,” Werenski mentioned. “I’ve by no means fairly seen something prefer it.”

The Gaudreau brothers have been biking on a street in Oldmans Township on Thursday evening when a person driving an SUV in the identical course tried to cross two different autos and struck them from behind at about 8 p.m., based on New Jersey State Police. They have been pronounced lifeless on the scene.

Police mentioned the driving force, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being drunk and charged with two counts of loss of life by auto, together with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motorcar.

Gudbranson ended his assertion with a message to folks contemplating driving whereas drunk.

“If you concentrate on driving after a number of beers or a enjoyable evening, please, please, please don’t,” Gudbranson mentioned. “Discover a approach residence.”

On the annual NHLPA rookie showcase exterior Washington, union govt director Marty Walsh mentioned the tragic state of affairs was having wide-ranging results round hockey.

“The deaths of Johnny and his brother are impacting plenty of gamers within the league as a complete and clearly is impacting their alma mater, Boston School, and the folks in Boston,” Walsh mentioned. “The tributes are stunning to see. We have simply obtained to proceed to assist the household the very best we will.”