A massive outpouring of tributes have continued into Friday afternoon for the late Johnny Gaudreau, 31, who died alongside his brother, Matthew, 29, Thursday night.
The brothers died when they were struck and killed by a car driven by an alleged drunk driver.
News of their tragic passing was confirmed Friday morning by commissioner Gary Bettman, who said “the National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened” by their deaths. Teams and players around the league have continued to offer condolences and eulogize both players, including Edmonton Oilers centre Derek Ryan.
Ryan played with Gaudreau for the USA’s national team at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships and with the Calgary Flames between 2018 and 2021. Ryan spoke with The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman, saying Gaudreau was an inspiration.
“I’ll always remember and cherish the years that I got to play with Johnny in Calgary and with Team USA,” he said. “His ability on the ice was amazing to behold, and I know that he’s inspired innumerable small, undersized hockey players to strive for greatness.
“I feel horrible for Meredith (Johnny’s wife), his two young children, and the entire Gaudreau family. Life just isn’t fair sometimes. In my mind, Johnny Hockey is looking down on his family now wearing a pair of heavenly hockey skates.
“The legend of Johnny Hockey will never be forgotten.”
The Edmonton Oilers released a statement Friday morning, offering condolences to the Gaudreau family and reminiscing about the Battle of Alberta games that had been played.
“We join the hockey world in mourning the devastating loss of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau,” they said. “We had the honour of witnessing Johnny’s tremendous talent first-hand during so many Battle of Alberta matchups over his eight seasons with the Flames, as well as during his two seasons with the Blue Jackets.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Johnny & Matthew’s loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Bettman also spoke about Gaudreau’s impact on the game, highlighting Johnny’s well-known nickname.
“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player,” he said, adding Gaudreau “was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
Both Gaudreau’s played NCAA Hockey for the Boston College Eagles, where the elder Johnny was a game-breaking talent, winning the Hobey Baker award as the top collegiate player in 2013-14, scoring 36 goals and 80 points in 40 games. Matthew was his teammate that year, playing in eight games.
Former Eagles head coach Jerry York, who spent nearly three decades behind their bench, including time coaching both brothers, said they “represented their families and Boston College with utmost class.”
“I am devastated and heartbroken over the news of the death of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” he said in a statement. “They were not only great hockey players but two outstanding young men. They represented their families and Boston College with the utmost class. Please keep the Gaudreau family in your prayers during this tragic and unspeakable time.”
On Reddit, one user said they tried out for the USHL’s Omaha Lancers while Matthew was there for two years between 2011 and 2013, and Matthew helped welcome him into the locker room.
