In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, the hockey world was rocked by the tragic news of the untimely death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. The two siblings, known for their undeniable talent and unbreakable bond, were taken from this world far too soon when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey.
For Matthew Tkachuk, a former teammate and close friend of Johnny Gaudreau, the pain of losing such a special person is immeasurable. Tkachuk, now playing for the Florida Panthers after being traded from the Calgary Flames, spoke candidly about the devastating loss.
“It was such an honor to play with him,” Tkachuk said, reflecting on his time spent on the ice with Gaudreau. “And you guys all saw what he did on the ice. I was the lucky one out of everybody in this room to have a great relationship with him off. So those are the memories I will take. But it’s been terrible. It really has.”
The bond between Tkachuk and Gaudreau extended far beyond the rink, with Tkachuk sharing stories of their adventures both on and off the ice with anyone who would listen. Tkachuk’s unwavering loyalty and admiration for Gaudreau shines through as he remembers his dear friend.
The upcoming season holds a somber note for Tkachuk and the Panthers, as they prepare to face the Blue Jackets in Columbus on October 15th, marking the first regular-season home game for Columbus since Gaudreau’s passing. The emotional weight of the occasion is not lost on Tkachuk, who understands the significance of honoring his friend’s memory on the ice.
“Johnny is one of my favorite teammates that I’ve ever played with. Such a great friend,” Tkachuk said. “It doesn’t matter if you knew them or played against them or even if you just have a sibling, everybody can relate to this. And it’s been terrible. I’m always going to carry something around where he’s always with me.”
As the hockey community continues to mourn the loss of the Gaudreau brothers, Tkachuk remains steadfast in his support for Johnny’s wife, Meredith, their children, and their grieving parents. The outpouring of love and tributes in honor of Johnny and Matthew serve as a poignant reminder of the impact they had on those around them.
Tkachuk, like many others in the hockey world, attended the services for the Gaudreau brothers to pay his respects and offer support during this difficult time. The memories of Johnny Gaudreau, his infectious spirit, and unparalleled talent will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, both on and off the ice.
