COLUMBUS, Ohio — Six days after Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes, the hockey organization hosted a vigil Wednesday night honoring them.
"Our hearts are shattered in a million pieces, there's no doubt about that,” said player Erik Gudbranson.
The love and camaraderie within the hockey community is like no other. As the Jackets community mourns the loss of the Gaudreau brothers, some of Johnny’s teammates shared what set him apart.
"He always reminded me to never sweat the small stuff, without actually telling me that," said Cole Sillinger, a forward for the Jackets.
It’s a sentiment that many of Johnny’s teammates caught on to over the years.
"We had to be in our shorts and ready for a coach's meeting at 5 o'clock. He'd walk in at 4:59 and a half… Guys would be sweating for him and he'd walk in, dragging his heels, just perfectly on time not sweating it at all,” Gudbranson said.
But when the game was over, Gudbranson said Johnny would be the first one out.
"I'd have my left skate on, and he'd be walking out in his suit,” Gudbranson said.
It’s a lesson Gudbranson said only really started to sink in since Johnny’s absence.
"It's made me wonder since Matty and Johnny have passed, whether he had it right… That entire time that he was away from the rink he was sitting on the couch with Meredith and his children being the best possible father he could be,” Gudbranson said.
Jackets fans hung on to every word each player spoke Wednesday night, supporting each other through this immense loss.
They each lit candles in honor of the Gaudreaus as they paused for 13 minutes and 21 seconds of silence. The 13 represented Johnny’s jersey number and the 21 represented Matthew’s Boston College jersey number.
Columbus Blue Jackets fans gather at vigil to honor Johnny Gaudreau
Mike Todd, Blue Jackets in-arena host for the past 21 years, said going to the vigil is a start to the healing process.
"It was beautiful to see and heartbreaking at the same time,” Todd said.
During the minutes of silence, only one thing was on Todd’s mind: the Gaudreau family, who are as tight-knit as they come.
"It seemed like the entire family was there to see him play every single game,” Todd said.
As Jackets fans continue to process what happened, it can be difficult to think about what comes next. Todd said leaning on each other is the only way to make it through.
"As cliche as it sounds, you do it one day at a time,” Todd said.
The organization also hopes their loss sends a lasting message to all.
"I urge you please, please, please and I beg you... having fun is one thing, but please find a ride home,” Gudbranson said.
Watch the full vigil here: