COLUMBUS, Ohio — Simply three weeks earlier than the opening of coaching camp, the Columbus Blue Jackets are in search of to make sense of a mindless tragedy after All-Star winger Johnny Gaudreau and youthful brother Matthew died once they had been struck by a suspected drunken driver whereas using bicycles of their house state of New Jersey.
On Wednesday evening, a candlelight vigil was held for the brothers. It included 13 minutes and 21 seconds of silent remembrance in honor of Johnny and Matthew’s jersey numbers.
A whole lot of followers turned out for the candlelight vigil exterior Nationwide Area.
“He is nonetheless right here with us, he is nonetheless a Blue Jacket,” mentioned Stephen Armentrout from Columbus, Ohio.
Blue Jackets gamers, GM attempt to make sense of tragedy after deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
On the vigil, teammates addressed the group and remembered their brothers on the ice.
“I am honored to name Johnny an ideal teammate and an ideal buddy. Love you, man,” mentioned ahead Cole Sillinger with the Blue Jackets.
“Nothing will fill the void in our hearts however by means of our remembrance, we will discover the power to get by means of this tough time collectively,” added captain and heart Boone Jenner.
The workforce additionally referred to as on others to concentrate on the hazards of drunk driving.
“I urge you, please, please, I urge you, having enjoyable is one factor, however please discover a trip house. There isn’t any motive for a tragedy like this,” mentioned Erik Gudbranson, defenseman for the Blue Jackets.
Native bicyclists are calling for change after Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, had been struck and killed by a DUI suspect whereas using their bikes.
Forward of the vigil, President of hockey operations and basic supervisor Don Waddell and 4 of Johnny Gaudreau’s teammates spoke to reporters Wednesday at Nationwide Area to share their emotions in regards to the 31-year-old.
“Whereas there’s an enormous gap in our lineup, there’s an excellent greater one in our hearts,” Waddell mentioned, acknowledging questions stay about how the workforce will transfer ahead. “Our fast 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 workforce will look to their leaders, together with Jenner.
Jenner mentioned the Blue Jackets should persevere and help one another as a collective unit.
“As a workforce, we will get by means of this collectively,” Jenner mentioned. “We will grieve, cry, be susceptible, and help one another each step of the way in which, however we are going to persevere as a result of I do know that is what Johnny would’ve needed.”
Gudbranson mentioned that whereas he has struggled to seek out constant connections with many teammates, Gaudreau’s distinctive method 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 choice 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.”
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The Gaudreau brothers had been biking on a street in Oldmans Township on Thursday evening when a person driving an SUV in the identical course tried to move two different autos and struck them from behind at about 8 p.m., based on New Jersey State Police. They had 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 demise by auto, together with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motorized vehicle.
On the annual NHLPA rookie showcase exterior Washington, union government 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 loads of gamers within the league as an entire and clearly is impacting their alma mater, Boston Faculty, and the folks in Boston,” Walsh mentioned. “The tributes are stunning to see. We have simply bought to proceed to help the household the very best we will.”
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