COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Blue Jackets President and General Manager Don Waddell along with several players spoke publicly for the first time about the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on Wednesday.
The Gaudreau brothers were killed by a suspected drunken driver last week in their home state of New Jersey on the eve of their sister's wedding.
Waddell began Wednesday's press conference by saying the outpouring of love from Columbus, the sports world and across the world for Johnny and Matthew has been remarkable.
"From New Jersey to Boston, Calgary to Columbus and everywhere in between have inspired us with expressions of love and support. I know that means the world to the Gaudreau family and it means the world to our organization as well. Thank you," Waddell said.
Waddell has only been the Blue Jackets GM for a couple of months but said he knew Johnny from his USA Hockey days. He described Johnny as someone who was always proud to wear the USA Hockey jersey and he played the game with great joy.
"While there is a huge hole in our lineup, there is an even larger one in our hearts," Waddell said.
Gaudreau's teammates, Boone Jenner, Erik Gudbranson, Zach Werenski and Sean Kuraly, spoke after Waddell. They all talked about how much they loved Johnny and his impact on the Blue Jackets organization.
Jenner expressed how great of a teammate he was and an even better person off the ice.
"John was a close friend and someone I felt like I've known for a lifetime," Jenner said. "As a team, we are going to get through this together. We are 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 have wanted."
Jenner added that "they will remain in our hearts forever."
Gudbranson, who has played for several NHL teams, played with Johnny in Calgary before they reunited in Columbus. Although Gudbranson said he had many great teammates, he struggled to find connection with many of them because of how often he moved around. That wasn't the case with Johnny.
"When I moved to Calgary, we had our first beer together. I knew it was different. Over the next few years, that only grew. Your unique way of driving me crazy only brought me closer," Gudbranson said.
Werenski, who has been with Columbus for nine years, said the day Johnny signed with CBJ was the most exciting moment he's as a Blue Jacket.
"I remember texting Boone and Eric Robinson when the reports were coming out and we just couldn't believe it," Werenski said. "Johnny Hockey was a player that everyone watched whether you were a hockey fan or not."
Werenski added that Johnny was a special person and an amazing father.
"I just want to say thank you John for letting me be a part of your life."
Waddell said plans are in the works to honor Johnny during the club's first home game next month but the team is focused on grieving.
Funeral services are still being finalized. Waddell said the team plans on attending.