Teammates and thousands of fans mourn Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Blue Jackets players fondly remember Johnny Gaudreau, who joined the organization as a free agent in 2022.

“I just wanted to thank you, John, for choosing Columbus when no one else would have,” an emotional Zach Werenski said Wednesday night. “You brought so much joy and excitement to this city, I’ve never seen anything like it. Something only really special players can do and that was you. Over the last two years, I’ve gotten to know John and his family and I can see how much they meant to him. They were his world, especially his wife Meredith and his kids Noah and Johnny.

“There are so many things I will miss about John, starting with that huge plate of pasta and a Coke before the games.”

Erik Gudbranson, who played with Johnny Gaudreau in both Columbus and Calgary, said at the vigil in the United States that the “team’s hearts are broken in a million pieces,” while also calling him “a great friend.”

Gudbranson also recalled something special that had been unique in his friendship with Gaudreau over the years.

“There’s one thing I’m going to miss very much,” Gudbranson said, per The Athletic. “I had a little thing with John where I would pick him up and give him a bear hug, and I wouldn’t leave him until he told me he loved me. He didn’t tell me for a long time. I know now, with him up there, it’s because he enjoyed the hug.

“I just miss him so much. It’s wrong.”

Even far away from the gatherings, hockey fans did what they could to honor the memory of the two hockey players.

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, two bouquets of flowers were placed in front of the Total Mortgage Arena, home of the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders.

Matthew Gaudreau played for the New York Islanders for a while during his professional career.

Sean Higgins is suspected of driving under the influence and was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter for hitting the two brothers with his car.

Higgins allegedly attempted to overtake two slow-moving vehicles and hit the Gaudreaus while they were on bicycles.

Just one more day and the two groomsmen would be at their sister’s wedding.