New Jersey Devils & Related Hockey Links for 9/2/24
There’s really just been one story in the hockey world over the last few days, and we’ll focus on it here. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau as they mourn their tragic deaths last week.
“The Gaudreau brothers were killed late Thursday while riding bicycles on a country road in New Jersey. It was a senseless tragedy in which an allegedly aggressive driver, one being investigated for driving under the influence, slammed into their bikes while attempting to pass cars on a two-lane road, police said.” [The Athletic ($)]
Kevin Hayes sends a message from the heart to his best friend Johnny Gaudreau ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iMhxOVSXYp
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 1, 2024
Dozens of people at the Johnny Gaudreau memorial at the Saddledome this afternoon.
Several were in tears.
Now hundreds, if not more, chalk messages. pic.twitter.com/49ci1ry6ww
— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) September 1, 2024
This picture by the great @Nicole_Kraft really lands a punch.
A young Blue Jackets fan, decked out on Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13, is consoled as he walks away from the makeshift memorial to Gaudreau outside Nationwide Arena.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/I1Wjq7arSd
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 31, 2024
“The feeling before practice was different once Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were at the rink. It changed as the two brothers tied their skates. For the three years Jerry York coached Johnny at Boston College and the four he had Matthew, he’d wish his players well with, ‘Hey, let’s have a good practice today.’ The Gaudreau boys never needed the encouragement.” [The Athletic ($)]
“‘Johnny Hockey’ was a hockey trailblazer. He was proof that hockey players can come in all shapes and sizes. He provided hope for the small guy. It was a role he wore as comfortably as he did an NHL jersey.” [The Hockey News]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.