COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) 鈥� Just three weeks before the opening of training camp, the Columbus Blue Jackets are seeking to make sense of a senseless tragedy after All-Star winger when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
President of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell and four of Johnny Gaudreau鈥檚 teammates spoke to reporters Wednesday at Nationwide Arena to share their feelings about the 31-year-old before a nighttime candlelight vigil that will include 13 minutes, 21 seconds of silent remembrance in honor of Johnny and Matthew鈥檚 jersey numbers.
鈥淲hile there鈥檚 a huge hole in our lineup, there鈥檚 an even bigger one in our hearts,鈥� Waddell said, acknowledging questions remain about how the team will move forward. 鈥淥ur immediate focus is on supporting the Gaudreau family and supporting each other as we continue to grieve the loss of Johnny and Matthew.鈥�
Waddell said the team will look to their leaders, including center and captain Boone Jenner.
Jenner said the Blue Jackets must persevere and support each other as a collective unit.
鈥淎s a team, we鈥檙e going to get through this together,鈥� Jenner said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to grieve, cry, be vulnerable and support each other every step of the way, but we will persevere because I know that鈥檚 what Johnny would鈥檝e wanted.鈥�
Defensemen Erik Gudbranson said that while he has struggled to find consistent connections with many teammates, Gaudreau's unique way of driving him crazy brought them together.
鈥淵ou will continue to inspire me to be just like you,鈥� Gudbranson said.
Gaudreau turned down more money from the New Jersey Devils to with the Blue Jackets in 2022.
Defensemen Zach Werenski highlighted Gaudreau鈥檚 decision to move and embrace the city of Columbus.
鈥淵ou brought so much joy and excitement to this city,鈥� Werenski said. 鈥淚鈥檝e never quite seen anything like it.鈥�
The Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road in Oldmans Township on Thursday night when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind at about 8 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Gudbranson ended his statement with a message to people considering driving while under the influence of alcohol.
鈥淚f you think about driving after a few beers or a fun night, please, please, please do not,鈥� Gudbranson said. 鈥淔ind a way home.鈥�
At the annual NHLPA rookie showcase outside Washington, union executive director Marty Walsh said the tragic situation was having wide-ranging effects around hockey.
鈥淭he deaths of Johnny and his brother are impacting a lot of players in the league as a whole and obviously is impacting their alma mater, Boston College, and the people in Boston,鈥� Walsh said. 鈥淭he tributes are beautiful to see. We鈥檝e just got to continue to support the family the best we can.鈥�
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AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno in Arlington, Virginia, contributed to this report.
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AP NHL:
Noah Weiskopf, The Associated Press
