The sports world has reacted to the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guiding/guarding and blessing their family(s) from the heavens above.” — NBA star and Ohio native LeBron James
“Johnny played the game with a passion that was evident to everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He made fans happy in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.” — statement from the Columbus Blue Jackets
“It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine incredible years in Calgary. 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. Our pain for Johnny’s wife Meredith, children Noa & Johnny, parents Jane & Guy, sisters Kristen & Katie and the entire Gaudreau family is immense. The Flames’ owners, management, players and staff extend our sincere condolences in their time of sorrow.” — statement from the Calgary Flames
“Just devastating news for everyone associated with the Gaudreau family. Both Matty and Johnny were greatly admired by all of us. Great young guys, and they made a big impression on us off the ice. Everyone knows how talented they were on the ice, especially Johnny — an all-world type of Olympian and college all-star. They made a great impression on all of us. We will miss the hockey performances they always had with us, but more importantly what they were like as young guys.” — former Boston College coach Jerry York
“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and his show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a devoted father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.” — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
“Our sincere condolences 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 feels today.” — statement from USA Hockey
“The news this morning about Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau is just heartbreaking. Johnny was a legend in New Jersey — so much so that when I went on a Canadian trade mission as Governor, I was given a Flames Gaudreau shirt. He was NJ. Our condolences to the Gaudreau family. Just awful.” — former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
“Johnny consistently demonstrated his passion for hockey, our city and the fans, and we mourn this tragic loss along with his loved ones and our Blue Jackets brothers.” — statement from Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew
“Throughout their success in hockey, they both continued to give back to their communities. Johnny and Matthew, as well as the entire Gaudreau family, made a significant difference in the lives of many in the Philadelphia area to learn and grow in their love of the game of hockey. … Johnny and Matthew were, and always will be, beloved and cherished members of the Flyers community and the entire hockey world.” — statement from the Philadelphia Flyers mentioning the Gaudreau family’s ties to that city.
“I was fortunate enough to have Johnny on the Calgary Flames and USA Hockey, and I can’t overstate what a joy it was for everyone 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. If we had a request for a charity, we always knew he would say yes, without hesitation. His love for his family, friends and alma mater was always evident and was clearly the driving force in his life.” — statement from NHL executive Brian Burke
“The entire BC community is shocked by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey players, but also one of the kindest. Matthew was a gifted player and beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family during this time of unimaginable loss.” — Boston College Statement
“Johnny enjoyed every game and his love for the game of hockey was felt by all who watched. Our hearts are with the Gaudreau family, their friends and all who were fortunate enough to know him on and off the ice.” — statement from the Pittsburgh Penguins
“Widely known as ‘Johnny Hockey’ for his dazzling play on the ice, his life off the ice was as a loving husband, father, son, brother and a friend to many. Like his brother, Matthew shared the same love for the game of 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 the teammates of both Johnny and Matthew during this extremely difficult time.” — statement from the NHL Alumni Association
“So incredibly sad.” — Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie
“There are no words, please pray fervently for their families.” — statement from Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Parent