The familiar sounds of hockey sticks clattering and pucks ricocheting off the boards and glass offered little solace for Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager was transparent about the emotional weight that recent tragic incidents have imposed on him and the entire team.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The tragedy left an indelible mark on the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, casting a shadow of grief over their preparations for the upcoming season.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said, reflecting the collective sentiment of the team. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
The Blue Jackets' facility, once filled with the usual pre-season excitement, now resonates with a somber tone. Most of the players have returned to start training, but the mood is palpably different. This sentiment was evident during the moment of silence held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Sabres, a solemn tribute to the Gaudreau brothers.
An Unbearable Toll
This isn't Waddell's first experience with tragedy in hockey. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. The echoes of past grief in Waddell's career were revived last year when Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a fireworks accident. These memories have only added to the recent heartbreak.
The NHL and the NHL Players' Association have stepped in, providing vital support to the Blue Jackets during this difficult time. This support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be adjustments to the league's salary cap rules to offer Columbus some relief.
“Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that,” Waddell added, emphasizing the collective effort to focus on the season ahead. “We all mourn and heal differently, but I think as a team being together like that is going to be critical for them to get moving forward.”
New Faces, New Challenges
With training camp set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, the team is also dealing with roster changes. Two forward positions are open, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, have their work cut out for them in steering the team through these tumultuous times.
Amidst this backdrop of grief and transition, some team members are profoundly affected. Gavin Brindley, in particular, has been deeply moved by the loss. "He was one of the biggest mentors for me at the world championships. I couldn't tell you how many times we hung out with Meredith, pictures on my phone. It's just so hard to look back and see that kind of stuff,” Brindley shared, reflecting the personal connections that make this tragedy even more poignant.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman captured the overarching sentiment within the organization. “The Blue Jackets, I don't think anybody's focused from an organizational standpoint, from a hockey standpoint as to what comes next, because I think everybody's still in shock. I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable,” Bettman said.
Forging Ahead
Despite the emotional and logistical hurdles, Waddell remains optimistic about the team's physical readiness. “The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going,” he noted, adding a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark season start.
The Blue Jackets, armed with a profound sense of purpose, are preparing to embark on a new season. “We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it,” Waddell concluded, summarizing the team's resolve to channel their grief into performance on the ice.
As the Blue Jackets lace up their skates and take to the ice, the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will undoubtedly serve as a powerful motivator. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but in the spirit of camaraderie and dedication, the team is determined to persevere.