‘He played with such joy’: Blue Jackets honor Johnny Gaudreau during press conference

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to mourn the loss of one of their own.

On Wednesday, the team hosted a media availability at Nationwide Arena to honor the late Johnny Gaudreau, who, along with his brother, was killed in last Thursday night when struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles. President of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell and a select group of players shared memories of the star player and expressed sympathies for Gaudreau’s family and friends.

“I ask everyone to keep this close-knit, loving family in your thoughts and prayers,” Waddell said. “They also left behind friends, teammates, coaches all over the world, and fans that continue to mourn their passing.”

Waddell and Gaudreau had known each other long before Waddell was hired in Columbus. The former Carolina Hurricanes GM knew Gaudreau through their respective ties to USA Hockey.

“Johnny was always proud to put on that USA Hockey jersey. He was obviously an exceptional player, one of the best in the National Hockey League. He played the game with great joy, which was apparent to everyone who ever saw him…while there is a huge hole in our lineup, there’s a larger one in our hearts.”

In reflecting over the past few days, team captain Boone Jenner further realized how special Gaudreau was and how he and the rest of his teammates will miss him.

“Moving through all the emotions,” Jenner explained. “Anger, sadness and emptiness, I’ve come to realize how much love I have for John. I’m very honored to speak on what John meant, not only to me, but also to his teammates, and the positive impact he had on our lives.”

Jenner was sure to mention the amount of joy Gaudreau brought to the game.

“Many of us know John for his superstar presence on the ice. He played with such joy and passion…but we’ll deeply miss the way he carried that same joy off the ice, whether it be at the arena or at home with his family. A joy I was so lucky to have witnessed.”

Jenner was visibly emotional when reflecting on his friendship with Gaudreau.

“John was a close friend,” Jenner explained. “And someone I felt I had known for a lifetime. His jokes and banter were always a consistent presence, whether we were in the locker room, on the bus, on a plane or in a hotel room. John was really one-of-a-kind.”

The longtime Blue Jacket also opened up on how Gaudreau, along with his wife Meredith, were there for Jenner and his family after their son was stillborn in March.

“When my wife and I went through a tough time this year, John and Mere were there for us like a family of their own. Just being around John was a comfort for me, even when he didn’t realize or try. That, to me, says everything about the kind of person he was.”

Erik Gudbranson, who played with Gaudreau in both Calgary and Columbus, also spoke on Wednesday.

“To the Gaudreaus and Morrises,” Gudbranson said. “My hope is that one day, your grief and sorrow is one day relieved by the beautiful memories that those boys gave you.”

Gudbranson has bounced around the NHL over his 13-year career, and admitted his relationship with Gaudreau was special.

“I’ve been lucky to play all around North America, and I’ve been blessed with many amazing teammates. Though within all that movement, I struggled to find constant connections with many of them…Your unique way of driving me crazy brought us only closer…You were one of a kind, and we loved you. We still do.”

Zach Werenski and Sean Kuraly also spoke at the press conference.

“Johnny Hockey was a player that everyone watched,” Werenski said. “Whether you were a hockey fan, or not. He had the ability to get people on their feet at any given moment…Thank you John, for choosing Columbus when other people wouldn’t. He brought so much joy and excitement to this city, I’ve never quite seen anything like it.”

“Good to the core,” Kuraly said. “John leaves us a life’s example of love, simplicity and joy. He expressed that for the masses through hockey, and personally through his relationships, which explains why he was universally adored in all the communities and lives that were lucky enough to have enjoyed No. 13.”

Since the passing of Johnny and Matthew, support for the Gaudreau family has spread beyond the hockey world, with stars from other sports, like LeBron James and Mike Trout, taking to social media to express their condolences. The Blue Jackets, along with Gaudreau’s former team, the Calgary Flames, have had memorials created on the steps of their respective arenas, with fans bringing flowers and sticks, paying their respects to the brothers.