In a solemn display of love and respect, flowers, sticks, bags of Skittles, and bottles of purple Gatorade line the entrance to Conte Forum, the hallowed home rink where the Gaudreau brothers, John and Matthew, once skated side by side. A poignant vigil has been created by the BC hockey community, paying tribute to the brothers who left an indelible mark during their brief but impactful stint at Boston College.
A decade has passed since the Gaudreau brothers graced the ice at BC, yet their tragic deaths have brought a wave of sorrow and reflection to the school in Chestnut Hill. As former coach Jerry York poignantly noted, “They left tremendous impressions on all of us. We’ll miss the hockey exploits they always had with us but more important how they were as young guys.”
The sudden loss of John, 31, and Matthew, 29, in a senseless accident has sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Cutter Gauthier, a recent BC standout who made his NHL debut with Anaheim, expressed the collective grief felt by the BC community, saying, “To see that, it’s really heartbreaking.”
Both John and Matthew Gaudreau were exceptional talents on the ice, with John’s accolades including an Olympic appearance and a Hobey Baker Award. Their impact extended far beyond the hockey rink, touching the lives of all those they encountered. The tragedy of their untimely deaths has reverberated through the hockey fraternity, with fellow players like Macklin Celebrini reflecting on the profound loss, stating, “You never really expect something like that to happen, and even if you don’t really know him that well, it hits you hard.”
For BC coach Greg Brown and alumni like Kevin Stevens, the news of the Gaudreau brothers’ passing has left a lingering sense of loss and disbelief. The shadow of their absence looms large over the BC program, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of those who touch our lives.
As the hockey world grapples with the profound loss of two bright stars extinguished too soon, the memory of John and Matthew Gaudreau will continue to shine brightly, forever etched in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved them. Their legacy lives on, both on the ice and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing in their boundless talent and infectious spirit.
