COLUMBUS, Ohio — Simply three weeks earlier than the opening of coaching camp, the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for to make sense of a mindless tragedy after All-Star winger Johnny Gaudreau and youthful brother Matthew died once they have been struck by a suspected drunken driver whereas driving bicycles of their dwelling state of New Jersey.
President of hockey operations and normal supervisor Don Waddell and 4 of Johnny Gaudreau’s teammates spoke to reporters Wednesday at Nationwide Area to share their emotions concerning the 31-year-old earlier than a nighttime candlelight vigil that can embrace 13 minutes, 21 seconds of silent remembrance in honour of Johnny and Matthew’s jersey numbers.
var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-525796” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).knowledge(‘permalink’);
/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512884112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512884112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512884112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.consists of(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);
if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}
var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);
if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}
$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (doc.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3Epercent3C/scriptpercent3E”) );
$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-525796” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: true,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6361512884112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6361512884112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/darryl-sutter-and-son-chris-share-favourite-johnny-gaudreau-memories/”
});
});
var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-515749” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).knowledge(‘permalink’);
/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512884112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512884112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512884112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.consists of(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);
if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}
var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);
if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}
$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (doc.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3Epercent3C/scriptpercent3E”) );
$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-515749” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: false,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6361512884112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6361512884112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/darryl-sutter-and-son-chris-share-favourite-johnny-gaudreau-memories/”
});
});
“Whereas there’s an enormous gap in our lineup, there’s a fair greater one in our hearts,” Waddell mentioned, acknowledging questions stay about how the staff will transfer ahead. “Our speedy 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 staff will look to their leaders, together with heart and captain Boone Jenner.
Jenner mentioned the Blue Jackets should persevere and assist one another as a collective unit.
“As a staff, we’re going to get by this collectively,” Jenner mentioned. “We’re going to grieve, cry, be weak and assist one another each step of the way in which, however we’ll persevere as a result of I do know that’s what Johnny would’ve needed.”
Defencemen Erik Gudbranson mentioned that whereas he has struggled to seek out constant connections with many teammates, Gaudreau’s distinctive approach of driving him loopy introduced them collectively.
“You’ll proceed to encourage me to be identical 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.
var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-865319” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).knowledge(‘permalink’);
/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361510115112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361510115112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361510115112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.consists of(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);
if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}
var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);
if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}
$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (doc.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3Epercent3C/scriptpercent3E”) );
$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-865319” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: true,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6361510115112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6361510115112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/emotional-werenski-shares-stories-of-gaudreaus-impact-as-a-blue-jacket/”
});
});
var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-611771” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).knowledge(‘permalink’);
/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361510115112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361510115112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361510115112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.consists of(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);
if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}
var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);
if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}
$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (doc.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3Epercent3C/scriptpercent3E”) );
$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-611771” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: false,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6361510115112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6361510115112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/emotional-werenski-shares-stories-of-gaudreaus-impact-as-a-blue-jacket/”
});
});
Defensemen Zach Werenski highlighted Gaudreau’s determination to maneuver and embrace 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.”
The Gaudreau brothers have been biking on a highway in Oldmans Township on Thursday night time when a person driving an SUV in the identical path tried to go two different automobiles and struck them from behind at about 8 p.m., in accordance with New Jersey State Police. They have been pronounced useless on the scene.
Police mentioned the motive force, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being inebriated and charged with two counts of dying by auto, together with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motorcar.
var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-307690” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).knowledge(‘permalink’);
/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512372112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512372112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512372112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.consists of(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);
if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}
var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);
if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}
$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (doc.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3Epercent3C/scriptpercent3E”) );
$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-307690” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: true,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6361512372112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6361512372112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/one-of-a-kind-gudbranson-pens-heartfelt-letter-to-johnny-gaudreau/”
});
});
var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-111603” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).knowledge(‘permalink’);
/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512372112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512372112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.internet/gampad/advertisements?sz=640×360&cust_params=domainpercent3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326percent2Fen.sportsnet.internetpercent2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=huge&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6361512372112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.consists of(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);
if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}
var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);
if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}
adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}
$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (doc.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3Epercent3C/scriptpercent3E”) );
$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-111603” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: false,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6361512372112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/6361512372112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/one-of-a-kind-gudbranson-pens-heartfelt-letter-to-johnny-gaudreau/”
});
});
Gudbranson ended his assertion with a message to folks contemplating driving whereas inebriated.
“If you concentrate on driving after just a few beers or a enjoyable night time, please, please, please don’t,” Gudbranson mentioned. “Discover a approach dwelling.”
On the annual NHLPA rookie showcase outdoors 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 plenty of gamers within the league as a complete and clearly is impacting their alma mater, Boston School, and the folks in Boston,” Walsh mentioned. “The tributes are stunning to see. We’ve simply acquired to proceed to assist the household the very best we are able to.”