The atmosphere shifted as Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau made their way to the rink, a feeling that was unique to practice when the brothers laced up their skates.
During the years Jerry York coached both Johnny at Boston College and Matthew, he would cheer them on with a simple, “Hey, let’s have a good practice today.” But the Gaudreau boys didn’t need the motivation.
“Johnny and Matt brought a contagious excitement to every practice,” York recalled in a phone call on Friday morning, shortly after learning of the tragic accident that took the brothers’ lives in New Jersey. “The moment those two stepped on the ice, everything just elevated.”
This memory of the Gaudreau brothers resonated with York as he reflected on their impact.
However, there were other memories of the inseparable duo that York held close to his heart, as they had become more than friends to everyone they met.
He immediately reached out to their parents, Guy and Jane, offering his condolences upon hearing the devastating news.
Following Johnny’s move to the NHL with the Calgary Flames and then the Columbus Blue Jackets, he stayed connected with everyone, from teammates to staff members, always willing to help with tickets or simply keeping in touch.
His bond with teammate Kevin Hayes and the shared moments spent at the Hayes family home in Dorchester, Mass., were also cherished memories.
Return visits to Boston whenever Johnny and the Flames played there became a tradition that York fondly remembered.
“We saw him quite often,” York reflected. “And Johnny was so humble. You wouldn’t even notice him when he entered a room. You wouldn’t think, ‘This is an Olympic player.’ But he had so many admirable qualities beyond his hockey skills that meant the world to me.”
The news of Johnny and Matthew’s passing reverberated throughout the NHL and beyond on Friday, with tributes pouring in from various figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and basketball superstar LeBron James.
Fans, teammates, and colleagues shared their grief and memories of the brothers, commemorating the impact they had left:
Flowers and a Gaudreau stick outside of Hollydell Ice Arena this morning pic.twitter.com/Zhv1U2wQuc
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) August 30, 2024
(Photo of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau celebrating Boston College’s Beanpot Championship in 2014: Richard T. Gagnon / Getty Images)
