In a somber and touching display of unity, the entire Columbus Blue Jackets team will be making the journey together to attend the funeral of their former teammate Johnny Gaudreau’s father and brother.
The Gaudreau brothers, Mark and Matt, tragically lost their lives in a car accident last week. Johnny Gaudreau, a former member of the Blue Jackets organization, has been deeply affected by the loss of his family members.
“It’s been a tough week for all of us,” said Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno. “Johnny is part of our hockey family, and we want to be there to support him and his family during this difficult time.”
The decision for the team to travel together to the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral was made as a way to show solidarity and strength in the face of such a heartbreaking tragedy.
“We are a family on and off the ice,” said head coach John Tortorella. “We want to be there for Johnny and his family in any way we can.”
The Blue Jackets organization has been providing support and counseling to Gaudreau and his family during this trying time.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Mark and Matt Gaudreau,” said general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “We will stand by Johnny and his family as they navigate this incredibly difficult period.”
The team’s decision to travel together to the funeral is a testament to the bond that exists among players and staff in the hockey world.
“As a team, we are a brotherhood,” said defenseman Seth Jones. “We stand together in times of joy and in times of sorrow. We will be there for Johnny and his family as they say goodbye to their loved ones.”
The Blue Jackets players and staff are all expected to attend the funeral service, showing their support for their former teammate during this heartbreaking time.
“We are more than just a team,” said goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. “We are a family, and we will stand together in support of Johnny and his family as they lay their loved ones to rest.”
The hockey world is known for its tight-knit communities and unwavering support for one another in times of need. The Blue Jackets’ decision to travel together to the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral is a poignant example of the strength and compassion that exists within the sport.
“We are standing united in our grief and our support for Johnny,” said forward Cam Atkinson. “The bond we share as teammates goes beyond the ice. We will be there for him and his family every step of the way.”
As the Blue Jackets prepare to make the journey to honor the memory of Mark and Matt Gaudreau, they do so with heavy hearts but with a shared commitment to be there for one another as a team and as a family.
