The NHL public relations division sends emails to members of the media day-after-day. Some are vital, others you'll be able to simply skip however this morning's model of its each day “Morning Skate” e mail is one no person will skip.
From so long as I can recall, I do not suppose I've ever seen the league 32 fandoms come collectively as they did when the tragic demise of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had been introduced. The brothers had gone on a motorcycle journey throughout what was their sister's marriage ceremony weekend when tragedy struck. An allege drunk-driver ran them over killing them each immediately.
In the hours following the occasions, the hearsay mill began with everybody anxiously ready for affirmation of the information earlier than permitting themselves to consider it. Calgary Flames followers had been crushed, their crew had raised Johnny from a put and he thrilled them for eight years earlier than shifting over to the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent. A household man, he needed to get nearer to his household on the east coast and he received to take pleasure in two seasons with them earlier than tragedy struck. The Jackets followers felt like they had been in a endless nightmare having misplaced Matiss Kivlenieks again in 2021 in a freak fireworks accident.
This morning's e mail by the NHL PR division appears to be like again at the life and occasions of the Gaudreau brothers but additionally at what has been occurring since their premature passing. There's a bit with reactions from gamers, but additionally a paragraph about former Montreal Canadiens ahead Sean Monahan:
Online tributes from former groups, followers, star gamers from different leagues additionally honored the lives of Matthew and Johnny, with their respective No. 21 and No. 13 at the forefront of many tributes – and Johnny’s No. 8 jersey being retired by his USHL crew. Johnny’s spouse, Meredith, engaged with many social media tributes and shared reminiscences by means of her personal posts, together with one devoted to “John’s favorite guy in the world.” Paired with a video of Johnny speaking about his friendship with Sean Monahan, who signed with the Blue Jackets in July, Meredith posted: “It’s been really hard watching hockey start up and seeing how different my life is now. My whole life was taking care of John and our kids. It’s all I ever wanted. But watching Sean wear CBJ is something I know John always, always wanted. Noa loves cheering for Uncle Sean too. Wishing 23 a good training camp and can’t wait to cheer you on.”
Everyone in the league can have a really heavy coronary heart as the season opens with out Johnny Gaudreau's fabulous smile and large abilities, however it's going to little question be even more durable for Monahan who was excited to signal with Columbus this Summer and be a part of his former Calgary teammate in Ohio, hoping to recreate their magic.
© David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
If there's one factor this Summer has taught everybody it is that all of us have a restricted time on this earth and we must always make the most of it whereas we're right here. NHL gamers will all be carrying a 1321 decal behind their helmets to honour the brothers' reminiscences.
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