Hockey world and beyond remembers 'Johnny Hockey'
Published
The hockey world reacts to the passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.
Florida Panthers forward and former Calgary Flames teammate Matthew Tkachuk wrote: "Absolutely devastated. I will miss seeing that smile! RIP Hockey! love you bro"
Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson wrote:
"Trying to find the right words today is not easy.
"You were a hell of a hockey player but it's the person Johnny that always is going to be with me. One of my closest friends, it didn't matter if we hadn't spoken to each other!
"There hasn't been a dry eye in the Andersson house today we all love you Johnny
"Looking back at this picture with a smile an a tear, we were very hungover laughing about this the next morning...
"To Meredith Noa Johnny Jr. we're always here for you and we love you
"Rest in peace uncle Johnny and Matty"
Tributes have poured in on Instragram, as well, as with Instagram with Zach Werenski, Thatcher Demko, Cole Caufield and Adam Fantilli among those to post.
"Rest easy brother," wrote Werenski.
"Genuinely some of the sweetest people I've player with and gotten close with," Demko captioned a photo of the brothers.
"Always my hero," wrote Caufield.
"Still can't believe it. Rest in peace brother, love you," Fantilli wrote.
Gaudreau's former Flames teammate Derek Ryan wrote:
"I'll always remember and cherish the years that I got to play with Johnny in Calgary and with Team USA. His ability on the ice was amazing to beholdm and I know that he's inspired innumerable small, undersized hockey players to strive for greatness. I feel horrible for Meredith, 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.
Former Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving released the following statement:
"I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's passing. John was a truly special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice.
"His thousand-watt smile and infectious personality were matched only by his love for his family, friends, and those close to him. He brought joy to everyone around him and to the many who never knew him but marveled at his excellence on the ice. John was a beloved teammate and a friend to so many in the hockey community, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
"My heart goes out to the entire Gaudreau family-to his mom and dad, Jane and Guy; his sisters, Kristen and Katie; his loving wife, Meredith; his precious children, Noa and Johnny; and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.
"Family was everything to John, and in his memory, please hug those close to you tighter and longer today and every day."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote:
"Johnny Gaudreau might have come up from the States, but hockey fans in Calgary, and across Canada, will remember him as one of our own
"Thinking of his teammates, friends, and the Gaudreau family today."
Kelsie Snow, wife of former Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow, who died in Sept. 2023 due to complications from ALS, posted:
"There is no air in my lungs today.
All my love is with the beautiful Gaudreau family. Cohen, Willa and I know deeply the visceral, incomprehensible and unsurvivable pain they feel now, and we stand with them in the devastated solidarity only grievers can understand."
Former Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent released the following statement:
Brian Burke, former Flames executive and current Executive Direction of the PWHL posted:
"My heart goes out to the Gaudreau family after the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew. I was lucky enough to have Johnny with the Calgary Flames and with USA Hockey and it cannot be overstated just what a joy it was for everyone involved to have Johnny Gaudreau on their team.
"First are foremost Johnny was always the first to raise his hand and give back to his community.
"His love of his family, friends, and alma mater was always apparent and was clearly the driving force in his life. What I will remember most was his happiness, enthusiasm, and kindness that radiated through the locker room every day. There are few players in hockey history who matched his passion and love for the game of hockey. His talent on the ice was enhanced, not diminished, by the fact that he was having fun out there.
"The entire Gaudreau family is in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. "
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman posted:
"Completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best. RIP Johnny."
Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane:
"Absolute shock and sadness to hear about the passing of Johnny and his brother Matthew. Our hearts goes out to Johnny‘s wife, two young children and the rest of his entire family during this unimaginable time. So unfortunate and another reminder on how precious life is. May God watch over his children and his family."
Boston College, where both Johnny and Matthew played, posted the following statement:
"The entire BC community is stunned by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player & beloved by teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss."
Former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen:
"I am deeply saddened by the news I received late last night. R.I.P. Johnny and Matthew, fine young men with beautiful family that seemed so close…gone way too soon. My condolences to the Gaudreau family and strength in their sorrow. This is devastating."
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes, who coached Gaudreau at the World Championships in May:
“I am sick to my stomach. I had the opportunity to coach Johnny several times with USA Hockey. Johnny was a great kid, personable, had a big heart, teammates loved him. He loved the game and loved to represent USA Hockey on the international stage. He will be missed as a persona and player. Thoughts and prayers for his wife and his family.”
Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie worte:
"Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad."
Former NHL goaltender Eddie Lack wrote:
"I don’t know why I’m even writing right now I’m shaking but Johnny was one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with. Always happy, always spreading positivity around him. Rest in Peace my friend and prayers for your wonderful family. Hug your loved ones."
NBA star LeBron James posted:
"Insane man! I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above."
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy posted:
"Tammy and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two proud New Jersey natives making their mark in the hockey world.
"Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family."
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement early Friday morning which read:
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend." "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement on Gaudreau:
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. 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 was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path."
The Calgary Flames posted the following statement:
"It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary."
USA Hockey said "Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives ended way too soon. Words cannot appropriately express the sorrow the hockey community is feeling today." Gaudreau won gold international with the World Junior team in 2013 and bronze at the World Championships in 2018.
The Philadelphia Flyers posted:
"The Philadelphia Flyers are heartbroken to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau."
"We are completely heartbroken for the Gaudreau family, Johnny and Matthew’s friends and loved ones, the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and the entire hockey community. The Sabres organization sends all of our love and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time," the Buffalo Sabres said.
The entire New York Islanders organization is deeply saddened by the passing of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Gaudreau family. They both were tremendous ambassadors for the sport of hockey and even better people in the community.
"We ask that everyone keep the Gaudreau family and all those these two great young men came in contact with, in your thoughts and prayers."
TSN's James Duthie wrote:
"Devastating. Much love to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew. Way too much life still ahead of them."
"The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations, and all those who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew during this unimaginably difficult time."
"We join the entire hockey community in mourning the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending our love and deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family, their friends, and the entire @BlueJacketsNHL organization."
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun wrote: "My heart goes out to the Gaudreau family and what they're going through. Unimaginable. Thinking of every player and member of the organization and wishing the Blue Jackets strength as they find a way through this horrific event. The entire sport is mourning. Brutal all-around."
Former NHL defenceman Ryan Whitney:
"I’m truly sick to my stomach. Life is so unfair and this hits on so many different levels. I’m completely heartbroken for the entire Gaudreau family."
The NHL Alumni Association posted:
"The NHL Alumni Association is shocked and heartbroken to learn that Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have passed away.
"We send our deepest condolences to Johnny’s wife Meredith and their children, Matthew’s wife Madeline, parents Guy and Jane, sisters Kristen and Katie, the Blue Jackets organization, and all teammates of both Johnny and Matthew during this extremely difficult time."
The Winnipeg Jets posted:
"True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Johnny had a tremendous impact on and off the ice, both internationally and in the National Hockey League.
Our sincerest condolences and support are with the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations, as well as all those fans of the game who were impacted by their talents."
The Ottawa Senators:
"The Ottawa Senators are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We send our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family and to everyone in the hockey community who had the privilege of knowing Johnny and Matthew."
The Canadian Hockey League posted:
"The CHL joins the hockey community in mourning the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We extend our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family, their friends, and anyone who was fortunate enough to have known Johnny or Matthew on and off the ice."
The Western Hockey League posted:
"The Western Hockey League joins the hockey community in mourning the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Johnny dazzled hockey fans in Western Canada with his tremendous talent and passion for the game. But more importantly, he was a husband, father, son, brother and friend to many. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family, and the many friends and teammates of both Johnny and Matthew."
The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey league posted:
"Our sincere condelences to the Gaudreau family and the @BlueJacketsNHL"
The CFL's Calgary Stampeders posted:
"The Calgary Stampeders mourn the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau. Johnny was a cherished member of the Flames family and a beloved figure in our community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family and the Flames organization during this time of immense sorrow."
The CEBL's Calgary Surge posted:
"Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and our dear friends at the Calgary Flames & CSEC.
Major League Baseball posted:
"Major League Baseball is saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passings of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. We send out heartfelt condolences to the Gaudreau family, the National Hockey League, and the Columbus Blue Jackets."
Former MLB MVP and New Jersey native Mike Trout posted:
"Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family."
The MLB's Cincinnati Reds posted:
"We are heartbroken for our friends at the Blue Jackets with the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We send our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the NHL and the entire Columbus Blue Jackets organization."