Just over a week ago, Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were senselessly struck and killed by drunk driver Sean Higgins while cycling in New Jersey. As tragic as their losses were, the accident was made even more heartbreaking due to the fact that it occurred a day before their sister's wedding and just a few days ahead of Meredith and Johnny Gaudreau's 3rd wedding anniversary
This week, during a live show at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA, Pearl Jam took the opportunity to take a pair of jerseys from Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's youth hockey days, and display them on stage for all to see while they performed. The band opted to use Matthew's Reading Royals jersey and Johnny's Gloucester Catholic jersey.
The passing of the Gaudreau brothers has united the hockey world in mourning and while some time has passed since the horrible accident that claimed their lives, that state of mourning continues as we approach NHL training camps. So, too, will it continue into the preseason and throughout the regular season.
Two good hockey boys, sons, brothers, fathers and husbands gone far too soon, all because someone chose to consume alcohol, get behind the wheel and drive recklessly. It's shameful and unfortunate, truly.