'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDAREAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAf/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAv/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAlpuZZ//EACEQAAIBAwMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDAQAEBRESIhYxUZLR/9oACAEBAAE/AOlM3aWZlDrJaGM5qCS2S0J1jj5+0/A5RT2LObcSApGR17T61//EABsRAAIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMSEyFR/9oACAECAQE/ALoPbRlp8P/EABsRAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAhESAxMh/9oACAEDAQE/ALPqKmFpynsr/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The tragic deaths of hockey players Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau in a cycling accident last week have left many heartbroken, including their longtime agent Lewis Gross.
In an emotional statement, Gross reflected on his 15-year relationship with the Gaudreau brothers and the close bond they shared on and off the ice.
According to Gross, money and contracts never motivated the Gaudreau boys. Gross said in his statement:
“Money never drove these boys, family did. When John returned to Boston College for his joinor year, rejecting the contract Calgary offered. He said, 'Lewis, tell them, no. I want to play with my brother next year at BC.'
"When we sent Matt to Sweden to play one season he called after a week there and said, 'I want to get out of the contract. I miss Madeline and my family, they mean more to me than hockey.'”
Gross described the joy the brothers got from spending time with family, including Johnny and Matthew's sisters Kristen and Katie, Kristen's husband and kids and their parents Guy and Jane.
He fondly remembered the last time they were all together a month ago at Johnny's charity golf event, where Gross said he was teased "just like everyone else."
In closing, Gross thanked Guy and Jane for trusting him to represent their sons. He promised to continue supporting them and Johnny and Matthew's wives Meredith and Madeline in this difficult time, staying true to his commitment when he first told the parents, "I would do all I can for your two boys."
Gross summed up the legacy of the brothers, saying:
"These two boys taught me so much. They taught me what family really means."
He vowed to never forget Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who started as clients but became friends and family.
Matthew & Johnny Gaudreau's funeral to be held on Monday
The funeral for hockey players Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew will be held this coming Monday at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania.
Though the Gaudreau brothers were not members of the parish, Saint Mary Magdalen agreed to host their funeral service as several members of the local community are close with their family.
The Catholic mass will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
