While at the NHL media tour, the Oilers superstar Connor McDavid publicly gave his thoughts on the tragedy for the first time. They were bitter rivals during the Battle of Alberta, but McDavid had nothing but respect for Johnny Gaudreau.
Connor McDavid and Johnny Gaudreau were briefly teammates in the Young Stars team for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. They were competitors on the ice, but respect between NHL players extend beyond rivalries in moments like these. Johnny Gaudreau was a great husband, father, teammate and friend first and foremost. But millions will remember him as an inspirational smaller player that dazzled them with his skill and speed - getting the nickname Johnny Hockey.
Young Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard had a particularly poignant answer at media day in response to Gaudreau's passing. Bedard mentioned Gaudreau as one of his biggest inspirations as a smaller player, proving to him at a young age that any size player can be elite in the NHL.
A suspected drunk driver fatally struck Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on the night of August 29th, and since then there's been an outpouring of grief from the hockey world. The Gaudreau's funeral was held just a few days ago, but the hockey world will continue to remember them throughout this season, and forever more.
POLL | ||
11 SEPTEMBRE | 106 ANSWERS Connor McDavid comments on passing of Johnny Gaudreau Did you watch the funeral service for the Gaudreau brothers? | ||
Yes | 52 | 49.1 % |
No | 41 | 38.7 % |
See Results | 13 | 12.3 % |
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