Reactions to the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau
Reactions to Columbus Blue Jackets forward’s death Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau:
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“Johnny played with great joy, and everyone who saw him on the ice felt it. He brought a genuine love of hockey with him wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He excited fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our game was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him.” — Columbus Blue Jackets statement.
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“We were privileged to have Johnny as a teammate for nine extraordinary years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also as a beloved member of our community. The pain we feel for Johnny’s wife, Meredith, and his children, Noa & Johnny, his parents are Jane & Dude, Kristen sisters & Katie and the entire Gaudreau family are immense. The Flames owners, management, players and staff express their deepest condolences during this time of mourning.” — Calgary Flames statement.
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“My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/protect and bless their family from the heavens.” — NBA star and Ohio native LeBron James.
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“This is devastating news for all of us connected to the Gaudreau family. Matty and Johnny were both incredibly admired by all of us. They were wonderful young guys who impressed many of us off the ice. Everyone knows how talented they were on the ice, especially Johnny, a world-class Olympian and college star. They all left a tremendous impression on us. We will miss the hockey exploits they always accomplished with us, but especially their youth.” — Jerry York, former Boston College coach.
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“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and exceptional skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and husband, a beloved son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.” — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
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“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives were taken far too soon. Words cannot adequately express the sadness felt by the hockey community today.” — USA Hockey statement.
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“This morning’s news on Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau is just heartbreaking. Johnny was a New Jersey legend, so much so that when I went on a trade mission to Canada as governor, I was given a Gaudreau Flames jersey. He was from New Jersey. Our hearts go out to the Gaudreau family. It’s just horrible.” — former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
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“Johnny always displayed his passion for hockey, our city and the fans, and we mourn this tragic loss alongside his loved ones and our Blue Jackets brothers.” — statement from the Columbus Crew team of Major League Soccer.
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“Throughout their success in the hockey world, they both continued to give back to the community. Johnny and Matthew, along with the entire Gaudreau family, made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people in the Philadelphia area by allowing them to learn and grow in the love of hockey. … Johnny and Matthew were, and always will be, beloved and cherished members of the Flyers community and the entire hockey world.” — Philadelphia Flyers statement, highlighting the Gaudreau family’s ties to this city.
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“I was fortunate to have Johnny with the Calgary Flames and USA Hockey, and it cannot be overstated how much of a joy it was for everyone involved to have Johnny Gaudreau on their team. First and foremost, Johnny was always the first to raise his hand to give back to his community. When we had requests for charity, we always knew he would say yes, without hesitation. His love for his family, friends and alma mater was always evident and was clearly the driving force in his life.” — statement from longtime NHL executive Brian Burke.
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“The entire British Columbia community is stunned by this tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player & “He was loved by his teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss.” — Boston College statement.
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“Johnny played every game with joy and his love for hockey was felt by all who watched him. Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family, their friends and all those who were fortunate enough to know him on and off the ice.” — statement from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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“Known as Johnny Hockey for his dazzling play on the ice, his life off the ice included being a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend to so many. Just like his brother, Matthew shared the same love for hockey, his wife, family and friends. Matt’s hockey career took him to Boston College and numerous AHL and ECHL teams. Our deepest sympathies go out to Johnny’s wife Meredith and their children, Matthew’s wife Madeline, parents Guy and Jane, sisters Kristen and Katie, the Blue Jackets organization and all of Johnny and Matthew’s teammates during this extremely difficult time.” — statement from the NHL Alumni Association.
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“It’s so incredibly sad.” — Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie.
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“There are no words, pray hard for their families.” — statement from Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Parent.
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“Johnny was a valued teammate and friend in Calgary and Columbus, and it was a pleasure to watch him play during his 10 years and 763 NHL games. He enjoyed a successful college career at Boston College, where he played with his brother, Matthew, who also played professional hockey in the AHL and ECHL. The NHLPA players and staff are devastated by these terrible losses.” — Statement from National Hockey League Players’ Association Executive Director Marty Walsh.
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