In the Fold: Tragedy Strikes Sports World

The hockey community and the sports world woke up Friday morning to devastating news. The Columbus Blue Jackets announced the tragic death of their star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in New Jersey. According to New Jersey State Police reports, The brothers were riding their bikes when a vehicle driven by a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs fatally hit them from behind.

Johnny Gaudreauwho played nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, was a brilliant hockey player in every sense of the word. He had a natural ability to both score and make plays, play at both ends of the ice and was the type of leader every team aspires to. Often called “Johnny Hockey” to symbolize his perfection, he proved everything those who are wrong said he was too short to succeed at the NHL level. Johnny Hockey, seven-time All-StarHe never took a day off and always gave his all.

Johnny was a great hockey player, but he was an even better person. As of Friday, countless people — NHL players and others — They talked about what an incredible person he truly was. He was a father, a son, a husband, a friend, and a teammate. Those who knew him spoke of those qualities, and those who didn’t respected and admired the type of person he was.

Matthew Gaudreau was also a hockey player, and he and his brother Johnny had a close bond. Even They played together as teammates at Boston College in the 2013–14 seasonAfter Mateusz’s stay in BC, he spent several seasons dividing the time between AHL and ECHLboth lower professional leagues. Later he returned to his roots to coach the high school hockey team, Gloucester Catholic High School.

In the days following the tragic event, fans created monuments at the Blue Jackets and Flames arenas. Fans came to pay their respects and mourn the deceased, some leaving flowers, hockey sticks, T-shirts, posters and letters with personal messages. In addition, all 30 NHL teams, except the Blue Jackets and Flames, issued statements expressing their sadness and honoring Johnny and Matthew.

Gaudreau’s family also issued a statement. Jim Gaudreau, the brothers’ uncle, he wrote on behalf of the whole familystating that “We have lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing people.” He also wrote, “We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support and appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.”

This is sure to be an exciting season in the NHL. It also shows that while we, as die-hard sports fans, take the performances of our favorite players and teams seriously, it is ultimately about much more than just sports.