The somber echo of clacking sticks and pucks reverberating off the boards and glass was a stark contrast to the emotional cloud hanging over the Blue Jackets' facility on Saturday. For General Manager Don Waddell, the familiar sounds of the rink could not wash away the lingering grief from recent tragedies that have profoundly affected him and the entire team.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding their bicycles, a devastating incident that cast a shadow over the Blue Jackets. Despite the tragedy, many players have made their way back to the facility, attempting to find solace in returning to their routines.
The gravity of the situation was palpable before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, with a moment of silence held to honor the Gaudreau family. It is moments like these that underline the deep connections and shared experiences within the team.
Waddell himself is no stranger to loss. In 2003, he lived through the shocking accident where forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a tragic fireworks accident during Fourth of July celebrations. These past experiences, combined with the recent events, have created an atmosphere heavy with mourning yet bonded by shared grief.
Support and Solidarity
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have stepped in to provide essential support to the Blue Jackets during these tough times. This includes offering grief counseling, increased security at vigils, and assistance with hockey-related matters. Discussions are also ongoing about potentially adjusting the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some financial relief.
Training camp is scheduled to begin on Thursday, precisely three weeks after the Gaudreaus' accident. The team faces additional challenges with two forward positions currently open, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Both Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, adding an extra layer of complexity as they find their footing while steering the team through these tumultuous waters. Waddell remains pragmatic about moving forward, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family."
Rallying Around Each Other
Despite the darkness of recent weeks, there is a palpable resolve within the Blue Jackets to press on, driven by a desire to honor their fallen teammate. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell shared, encapsulating the determination within the team.
Preparing for the new season, he expressed confidence in the players' readiness and collective spirit, "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going."
For many on the team, the loss hits close to home. Gavin Brindley, particularly affected by the tragedy, reflects, "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."
A Season Poised on the Edge
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the current state of the organization, noting that the focus hasn’t shifted beyond the grieving process yet. "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," he commented. This period of mourning is something the entire hockey community feels acutely, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable," Bettman added.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they do so with a heightened sense of purpose and unity. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell affirmed, highlighting the collective determination to transform their grief into resilience on the ice.
In the face of tragedy, the Blue Jackets are rallying not just for themselves but to honor the Gaudreau family and uphold the spirit of camaraderie that defines them. As they lace up their skates and take to the ice, they carry with them the weight of their loss and the shared determination to find hope and strength in each other.