'We love you Johnny Hockey': Fans of Blue Jackets, NHL react to Johnny Gaudreau death
The Blue Jackets and NHL worlds are in mourning Friday.
The Blue Jackets and NHL confirmed that star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed while biking Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, close to their hometown in Salem County, New Jersey.
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," a Blue Jackets spokesman said in a statement. "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. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.
More on Johnny Gaudreau's death: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau dead in New Jersey bike accident
"He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community whe he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."
Here is how fans are reacting to Gaudreau's death on social media.
LeBron James: 'May Johnny and Matthew fly high'
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. ????????????????
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024
Mike DeWine reacts to Johnny Gaudreau death
Fran & I offer our deepest condolences to the family of @BlueJacketsNHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Our thoughts are also with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 30, 2024
Ohio State shares condolences with Columbus Blue Jackets
The Gaudreau Family is in our thoughts ??
— Ohio State Buckeyes ?? (@OhioStAthletics) August 30, 2024
Columbus Crew: 'Johnny consistently displayed his passion for hockey, our City and the fans'
Our hearts are with the Gaudreau Family, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus community ?? pic.twitter.com/cW4H4oGJmp
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 30, 2024
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: We 'will remember him as one of our own.'
Johnny Gaudreau may 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. https://t.co/JATaeKTDq8— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 30, 2024
Mike Lupica: 'No words' after Johnny Gaudreau death
There are simply no words to describe the death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew last night as they were biking in New Jersey, on the eve of their sister's wedding. He was first known as Johnny Hockey at Boston College when he was one of the greatest players in our…
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) August 30, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau was many young hockey players' 'favorite player'
So many younger players - especially smaller ones - called Johnny Gaudreau their favorite player. Including many drafted just a few months ago.
He wasn't a high pick. Odds were stacked against him. But he managed to inspire so many to want to play the game.
He'll be missed.— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) August 30, 2024
'Gone way too soon'
April 13th, 2014. Johnny Gaudreau scores his first NHL goal.
Gone way too soon. We love you Johnny Hockey.pic.twitter.com/9ItHKyzlB4— Jay Money (@insiderJmoney) August 30, 2024
'Rest in peace Johnny Hockey'
Johnny Gaudreau, aged 8. ?? Rest in peace Johnny Hockey. pic.twitter.com/U92XyVUWk3
— 74MOU$_ (@EngulfingM) August 30, 2024
'Like so many people, I underestimated Johnny (Gaudreau) at first'
Like so many people, I underestimated Johnny at first. @rayferraro21 and I met him at the 2013 WJC as he was stretching outside the USA dressing room, we both thought “That’s the guy who’s ripping up college hockey?” But in talking with him, you could see the passion and drive. https://t.co/XDmJvxrNQZ
— Gord Miller ???? (@GMillerTSN) August 30, 2024
'Rest in Peace Legend'
Actually has me crying in the uber right now
Rest in Peace Legend ?? pic.twitter.com/DrRbYnjDwD— Chelly (@chellgod) August 30, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau 'isn't just a hockey player'
Johnny isn’t just a hockey player, he is a husband and a father. This entire situation has me nauseas thinking about the family he leaves behind.
Drunk driving affects more than just the victim. pic.twitter.com/IoR317qAmw— Caylee (@2kaRask) August 30, 2024
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL fans react to Johnny Gaudreau tragic death
