Current:Home > NewsBlue Jackets players, GM try to make sense of tragedy after deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau-LoTradeCoin
Blue Jackets players, GM try to make sense of tragedy after deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
View Date:2024-12-24 07:18:04
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Just three weeks before the opening of training camp, the Columbus Blue Jackets are seeking to make sense of a senseless tragedy after All-Star winger Johnny Gaudreau and younger brother Matthew died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
President of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell and four of Johnny Gaudreau’s teammates spoke to reporters Wednesday at Nationwide Arena to share their feelings about the 31-year-old before a nighttime candlelight vigil that will include 13 minutes, 21 seconds of silent remembrance in honor of Johnny and Matthew’s jersey numbers.
“While there’s a huge hole in our lineup, there’s an even bigger one in our hearts,” Waddell said, acknowledging questions remain about how the team will move forward. “Our immediate focus is on supporting the Gaudreau family and supporting each other as we continue to grieve the loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
Waddell said the team will look to their leaders, including center and captain Boone Jenner.
Jenner said the Blue Jackets must persevere and support each other as a collective unit.
“As a team, we’re going to get through this together,” Jenner said. “We’re going to grieve, cry, be vulnerable and support each other every step of the way, but we will persevere because I know that’s what Johnny would’ve wanted.”
Defensemen Erik Gudbranson said that while he has struggled to find consistent connections with many teammates, Gaudreau’s unique way of driving him crazy brought them together.
“You will continue to inspire me to be just like you,” Gudbranson said.
Gaudreau turned down more money from the New Jersey Devils to sign a $68.25 million, seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022.
Defensemen Zach Werenski highlighted Gaudreau’s decision to move and embrace the city of Columbus.
“You brought so much joy and excitement to this city,” Werenski said. “I’ve never quite seen anything like it.”
The Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road in Oldmans Township on Thursday night when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind at about 8 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Gudbranson ended his statement with a message to people considering driving while under the influence of alcohol.
“If you think about driving after a few beers or a fun night, please, please, please do not,” Gudbranson said. “Find a way home.”
At the annual NHLPA rookie showcase outside Washington, union executive director Marty Walsh said the tragic situation was having wide-ranging effects around hockey.
“The deaths of Johnny and his brother are impacting a lot of players in the league as a whole and obviously is impacting their alma mater, Boston College, and the people in Boston,” Walsh said. “The tributes are beautiful to see. We’ve just got to continue to support the family the best we can.”
___
AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno in Arlington, Virginia, contributed to this report.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
veryGood! (5631)
Related
- Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
- Trump plans to skip first 2024 Republican primary debate
- Polls close in Guatemala’s presidential runoff as voters hope for real change
- Michael Jackson accusers' sexual abuse lawsuits revived by California appeals court
- Up to 20 human skulls found in man's discarded bags, home in New Mexico
- L.A. Mayor Karen Bass says we are ready for rare tropical storm as Hilary nears
- Biden administration announces more new funding for rural broadband infrastructure
- Bill Vukovich II, 1968 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, dies at 79
- Pete Alonso's best free agent fits: Will Mets bring back Polar Bear?
- Green Bay police officer accused of striking man with squad car pleads not guilty
Ranking
- Florida State can't afford to fire Mike Norvell -- and can't afford to keep him
- Hiding beneath normality, daily life in Kyiv conceals the burdens of war
- Frustrated by a Lack of Details, Communities Await Federal Decision on Protecting New York From Coastal Storm Surges
- 2 teens arrested, 2 sought in a drive-by shooting that mistakenly killed a 5-year-old girl
- Maryland man wanted after 'extensive collection' of 3D-printed ghost guns found at his home
- CBS News poll finds Trump's big lead grows, as GOP voters dismiss indictments
- Kansas newspaper reporter had 'every right' to access business owner's driving record, attorney says
- William Byron dominates Watkin Glen for 5th win of 2023; 15 NASCAR playoff berths clinched
Recommendation
-
Georgia remains part of College Football Playoff bracket projection despite loss
-
Feel Comfy and Look Professional in These Sweatpants That Look Like Work Pants
-
'Big Brother,' 'Below Deck' show reality TV improves by handling scandals publicly
-
This is Us cast, Hollywood stars remember Ron Cephas Jones
-
Only 8 monkeys remain free after more than a week outside a South Carolina compound
-
Three years after a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor, the final trial is set to begin
-
Snoop Dogg's outdoor concert in Houston sees 16 hospitalizations for 'heat-related illness'
-
Trump plans to skip first 2024 Republican primary debate