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The Ohio State Buckeyes paid homage to the late Johnny Gaudreau in a touching tribute before kicking off their home opener against Akron Zips on Saturday. The gesture is one among thousands of heartfelt displays of grief, sadness and celebration of Johnny Hockey’s life.
Here’s a look at the stunning celebration of Gaudreau’s life:
Gaudreau spent just two seasons as part of the Ohio sports scene after spending nearly a decade in Calgary. Still, Johnny Gaudreau’s impact is undeniable, especially when considering the Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the NHL’s newer clubs.
The beautiful tribute showcased how much Gaudreau meant to the Ohio sports community, regardless of the sport he played. Ohio sports fans are a tight-knit community, supporting each other in good and bad times.
Johnny Gaudreau will be sorely missed by the Ohio sports community. With the state of Ohio still reeling from the loss of such a vibrant young man.
Fans should expect more touching gestures as the weeks and months go by. Johnny Gaudreau will forever live in the hearts and minds of Ohio sports fans and fans around the world.
Boston College stunned by Johnny Gaudreau’s passing
Boston College Eagles, the NCAA team for which Gaudreau suited up, was stunned by the sudden and tragic loss of Johnny Hockey.
In a statement released by Boston College, the team stated:
“All of us in the Boston College community are stunned by this tragic news.”
The statement reported by CBS News in Boston underscored the legacy that Gaudreau left everywhere he went.
Boston College spokesperson Jack Dunn would go on to state (per CBS News):
"Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest players in the history of Boston College hockey, but one of the nicest as well. Matthew was a gifted [player] who was equally beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with Johnny, Matthew and the entire Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss."
Johnny Hockey played at Boston College from 2011 to 2014, winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the NCAA’s top player. Johnny’s brother Matthew also played for Boston College from 2013 to 2017. However, Matthew never made it to the NHL, spending some time as a pro in the ECHL.
Johnny and Matthew will go down in Boston College history as two of its most prestigious alumni.
