Hockey is a very tight-knit community, and Notre Dame is part of that community. So when tragedy strikes it, the Irish feel the rightful need to know that they’re mourning as much as those the tragedy directly impacts. Unfortunately, that time has come once again.
Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday night when they struck while riding their bicycles by an alleged drunk driver near their hometown in New Jersey. They were anticipating their sister’s wedding this weekend.
The Irish took to social media in light of this horrible news to express their condolences:
We join the hockey community in mourning the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family, @BlueJacketsNHL, and all who knew both men, during this difficult time. https://t.co/xjQ4CbkZpQ
— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) August 30, 2024
The Gaudreau brothers’ time at Boston College spanned from 2011 to 2017. The Irish went 7-6 against the Eagles during that time with most games coming when the Irish were a member of Hockey East. But the Eagles went to three Frozen Fours and won the 2012 national championship. Johnny Gaudreau also won the Hobey Baker Award to cap his collegiate career in 2014.
We at Fighting Irish Wire extended our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family during this difficult time.
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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89
