Hearing the symphony of clacking sticks and pucks echoing off boards and glass, one might assume that the atmosphere was charged with the usual excitement of a new hockey season. But for Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets, the familiar sounds on Saturday were but a faint distraction from the heavy blanket of grief that still envelops them.
The general manager of the Blue Jackets, Don Waddell, has been open about the emotional burden he and the team have faced recently. On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding their bicycles, an incident that has rocked the team and its community to its core. In a time of such profound loss, it’s clear that the emotional scars are still fresh.
As the Blue Jackets return to their facility, the team is doing its best to achieve a sense of normalcy amidst the tragedy. A poignant moment of silence was held before the faceoff of Friday night’s prospect exhibition game against the Sabres, serving as both a somber memorial and a stark reminder of what the team has lost. “We got to play hockey,” said Waddell. “We’re not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family.”
A History of Tragedy
This is not the first time Waddell has faced tragedy in his career. In 2003, he experienced the heartbreak of losing forward Dan Snyder, who was killed when teammate Dany Heatley lost control of his car. More recently, in 2021, the team mourned the sudden death of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks in a tragic fireworks accident. These moments, woven into the fabric of the team’s history, have only added layers to the current sorrow.
Support and Healing
In the aftermath of the Gaudreau brothers’ accident, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association have provided significant support to the Blue Jackets. This support includes grief counseling, increased security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related concerns. There are even discussions about potentially altering the league’s salary cap rules to offer Columbus some much-needed relief.
“Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year,” Waddell emphasized. It is a delicate balance of honoring the memory of those lost while preparing for the demanding season ahead. Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were struck. With two roster openings at forward – one due to an injury sidelining Justin Danforth – there’s both a practical and emotional rebuild underway.
Joining Hands in Grief
Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are relative newcomers to Columbus this offseason, thrust into an unexpectedly challenging situation. Yet the communal grief has seemingly fostered a deeper bond among the players. “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,” said Waddell. The team’s collective resilience is perhaps its greatest strength in navigating these turbulent times.
Among those most impacted is Gavin Brindley, who spoke emotionally about his connection with Johnny Gaudreau. “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 reflected.
Facing an Uncertain Future
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided a stark assessment of the organization’s current state. “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.” His words encapsulate the uncertainty that envelops the team, with grief overshadowing the usual pre-season preparations.
In the face of adversity, the Blue Jackets are determined to find purpose. “The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going,” Waddell noted. There is a palpable sense of determination within the team, fueled by a desire to honor Johnny Gaudreau’s memory through their performance on the ice.
“We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it,” Waddell declared. As the Blue Jackets brace for the forthcoming season, their path is laden with both profound sorrow and a resilient spirit. How they navigate this blend of emotions will define not just their season, but their collective character.