Reactions to the death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau

Reactions to the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau:

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“Johnny played the game with great joy that was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey no matter where he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He excited fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him.” – Columbus Blue Jackets statement.

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“It was an honour to call Johnny our teammate in Calgary for nine amazing years. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but as a beloved member of our community. The pain we feel for Johnny's wife Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents Jane and Guy, his sisters Kristen and Katie and the entire Gaudreau family is immense. The Flames ownership, management, players and staff extend our deepest condolences to them during this time of grief.” – Calgary Flames statement.

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“My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew soar high and guide/protect and bless their family(s) from heaven.” – NBA star and Ohio native LeBron James.

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“This is just devastating news for everyone associated with the Gaudreau family. Matty and Johnny were incredibly admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys and they impressed many of us off the ice. Everyone knows how talented they were on the ice, especially Johnny – a world-class Olympian and college All-Star. They made a tremendous impression on all of us. We will miss their hockey exploits, but more importantly, what they were like as young guys.” – Jerry York, former Boston College coach.

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“Johnny's infectious playmaking skills and breathtaking skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' but he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.” – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

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“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives ended far too soon. Words cannot adequately express the sadness the hockey community is feeling today.” – USA Hockey statement.

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“The news this morning about Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is just heartbreaking. Johnny was a legend in New Jersey – so much so that when I went on a trade mission to Canada as governor, I was given a Flames Gaudreau jersey. He was NJ. Our condolences go out to the Gaudreau family. Just awful.” – Chris Christie, former Governor of New Jersey.

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“Johnny always demonstrated his passion for hockey, our city and the fans, and we join his family and our Blue Jackets brothers in mourning this tragic loss.” – Statement from Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.

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“Throughout their success in the hockey world, both have continually given back to the community. Johnny and Matthew, and the entire Gaudreau family, have made a significant difference in the lives of so many in the Philadelphia area by introducing them to and loving the sport of hockey. … Johnny and Matthew have always been and will always be beloved and valued members of the Flyers community and the entire hockey world.” – Philadelphia Flyers statement highlighting the Gaudreau family's connection to this city.

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“I was fortunate to have Johnny with the Calgary Flames and USA Hockey and it cannot be overstated what a joy it was for all involved to have Johnny Gaudreau on their team. First and foremost, Johnny was always the first to raise his hand to give back to his community. When we had requests for charitable causes, we always knew he would say yes without hesitation. His love for his family, friends and alma mater was always evident and clearly the driving force in his life.” – Statement from longtime NHL manager Brian Burke.

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“The entire community of British Columbia is stunned by this tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey player, but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player and well-liked by his teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family during this time of unimaginable loss.” – Boston College statement.

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“Johnny enjoyed every game and his love for hockey was palpable to everyone who watched. Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family, their friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him on and off the ice.” – Pittsburgh Penguins statement.

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“Commonly known as 'Johnny Hockey' for his dazzling play on the ice, off the ice he was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend to so many. Just like his brother, Matthew shared the same love for hockey, his wife, family and friends. Matt's hockey career took him to Boston College and numerous teams in the AHL and ECHL. We extend our deepest condolences to Johnny's wife Meredith and their children, Matthew's wife Madeline, parents Guy and Jane, sisters Kristen and Katie, the Blue Jackets organization and all of Johnny and Matthew's teammates during this extremely difficult time.” – NHL Alumni Association statement.

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“So incredibly sad.” – Forward TJ Oshie, Washington Capitals.

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“I am at a loss for words. Please keep their families in prayer.” – Statement from Bernie Parent, Hockey Hall of Fame member.

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“Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and was a joy to watch during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL. He had a successful college career at Boston College, where he played alongside his brother Matthew, who also went on to play professional hockey in the AHL and ECHL. The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by these terrible losses.” – Statement from Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the National Hockey League Players' Association.

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NHL players: