Remembering Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother: Hockey World Tributes and Emotional Season Start

The tragic deaths of NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother have left a profound impact on the hockey community. With the start of the new season approaching, the league is gearing up to honor the Gaudreau brothers with tributes and a special ceremony at the Columbus Blue Jackets' season opener.

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Remembering Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother: Hockey World Tributes and Emotional Season Start

In the wake of the heartbreaking loss of NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, the hockey world has rallied together to honor their memory. As the new season approaches, teams and players are preparing to pay tribute to the Gaudreau brothers with decals on their helmets and other heartfelt gestures.

The Gaudreau brothers, who grew up outside Philadelphia, were killed while riding their bikes in New Jersey in August. They were in town for their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for the day after their tragic deaths. The alleged drunk driver responsible for the accident has been charged.

Remembering Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother: Hockey World Tributes and Emotional Season Start

Throughout the hockey community, moments of silence have been held and tributes have been paid. Hall of Fame goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who played against Johnny Gaudreau and met him at All-Star events, expressed his deep sadness and shared the profound effect the tragedy has had on the hockey community.

"It's such a tragedy. It's had a huge effect on all the players in the hockey community," Lundqvist said. "Johnny was a super-nice guy, and from what I hear, his brother was too. It was a tough couple days when we heard the news. Just sad."

Remembering Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother: Hockey World Tributes and Emotional Season Start

While on the ice, hockey players compete fiercely, but off the ice, there is a deep sense of camaraderie and respect. "When the game is over, the game is over," Lundqvist said. "You get to know players you play against, and you spend time with them outside of the rink. That's a great thing about hockey."

Johnny Gaudreau's former coach, John Tortorella, recently invited the Gaudreau brothers' father, Guy, to a practice and offered him a coaching role with the team. Guy Gaudreau was initially hesitant, but eventually accepted the offer and has been assisting with the team's practices.

"He's done some great work with some of the youth out here," Tortorella said of Guy Gaudreau. "I figured it's perfect just to get him in with us. ... I want him to be part of it. I think it will be therapeutic for him to be around us and run some drills."

The Columbus Blue Jackets, the team Johnny Gaudreau played for at the time of his death, will host the Minnesota Wild in their season opener on October 10th. The game is sure to be an emotional evening as the team and fans pay tribute to the Gaudreau brothers.

The hockey community will continue to honor Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, celebrating their lives and the impact they had on the sport. Their memory will live on through the tributes and the continued spirit of camaraderie and respect that defines the hockey world.