While the sports world continues to mourn the losses of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets have used Johnny Hockey's home ice as a gathering place in the two days since the tragic death of the star forward and his brother Thursday night.
The brothers were killed by a suspected drunk driver in Oldman's Township, New Jersey, near the Gaudreau's childhood home. They were to be groomsmen in their sister Katie's wedding the next day. According to People Magazine, the two were cycling home following Katie's rehearsal dinner.
A memorial outside the entrance of Nationwide Arena was started Friday morning shortly after the Blue Jackets confirmed Gaudreau's passing. As the hours went by, the memorial went from just a few flowers and cards to hundreds — along with Blue Jackets and Gaudreau memorabilia, messages, and memories of the 31-year-old and his 29-year-old brother.
Lindsey Cussen, a season ticket holder with the Blue Jackets, wanted to go one step further.
"I was sitting at work yesterday thinking about what I could do to honor Johnny and Matthew," said Cussen. "Unfortunately, our community has dealt with loss before and I remembered how healing the sense of connection was the first time we dealt with a tragedy."
In 2021, goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died after a fireworks accident in Michigan. He was 24.
Cussen felt the best way for those to connect was by getting together for a candlelight vigil. She took the idea to her sister, Riley Cussen, and their friend, Natori Longshore. The trio — along with others — took to social media to spread the word, with Longshore and the Cussen's taking roughly 50 candles to the arena Friday night for those who came out. Nearly 100 came to the vigil.
"I just wanted to be with the community and with people that shared my heartbreak. I can’t speak for everyone, but I felt like our moment of silence and short prayer together was such a powerful moment. That sense of connection was almost healing in a way. People were comforting one another and just holding space for one another, it was beautiful."
A beautiful tribute for Johnny Gaudreau outside of Nationwide Arena tonight pic.twitter.com/AJMnGsXsGi
— Lindsey (@JacketsLindsey) August 31, 2024
Cussen said that those in attendance were even able to share a few laughs, despite the reason for their gathering.
"My favorite Johnny memory is before he was a Blue Jacket," said Cussen. "There was a clip of him playing a game at Nationwide Arena, and he was startled by the cannon. Makes me laugh every time."
"It feels so strange to mourn a person that I didn’t know personally but had a great impact on me and so many others," said Cussen.
"I think that speaks a lot about who Johnny was as a person."
Prior to his last two seasons with the Blue Jackets, Gaudreau spent nine seasons with the Calgary Flames. Outside of their home, the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames faithful set up a similar memorial.
The tribute for Johnny Gaudreau tonight at the Saddledome. pic.twitter.com/rP7tDC2SlX
— Forecast (@ChinookArchYYC) August 31, 2024
A memorial was also set up outside of the Conte Forum, home of the Boston College Eagles. Gaudreau led the Eagles to a National Championship in 2012.
Our thoughts here at 1st Ohio Battery remain with the Gaudreau family.
