Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass was not enough to wash away the lingering residuals of grief for the Blue Jackets' general manager, Don Waddell, on Saturday. The sorrow that has enveloped the team in recent weeks loomed large as they reconvened on the ice.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles, a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the organization. Reflecting on the emotional toll, Waddell admitted the team's struggle: "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family."
In light of the incident, most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility to begin preparations for the new season. A haunting moment of silence was observed before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Sabres, a poignant reminder of the deep loss they've endured.
This isn't the first time Waddell has faced such devastation. In 2003, as he recalls, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the tragic death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, the team endured another heartbreaking loss when Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a fireworks accident. These events have left scars that time struggles to heal.
Stepping in to Offer Support
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have been proactive in providing support to the Blue Jackets during this difficult period. Grief counseling has been made available to the players and staff, and additional security measures have been put in place at the various vigils held in memory of the Gaudreau brothers. Addressing these hockey-related issues with both sensitivity and practicality, there may also be adjustments to the league's salary cap rules to offer Columbus some relief.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the tragic accident. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which arises from a wrist injury that has sidelined Justin Danforth. Waddell and coach Dean Evason, who are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, face the Herculean task of guiding their team through these turbulent waters.
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell stated. The path ahead is fraught with emotional hurdles, yet there is a collective resolve to find strength through unity. "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," Waddell reflected.
Rallying Together
As the team gears up for what promises to be an emotionally charged season, the mantra is clear. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell reiterated. The players are reportedly in good spirits, with tests confirming their readiness to hit the ice. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he said.
Among those deeply affected by the loss is Gavin Brindley, who shared his sorrow and memories. "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 mourned. The bonds forged in such times, though strained by grief, remain unbreakable.
A Season Dedicated to Lost Friends
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the focus remains poignantly intertwined with remembrance. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman encapsulated the state of the organization: "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." Yet amidst this shock, there is a quiet, shared determination. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable," Bettman added.
For Waddell and his team, the objective is clear but challenging. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," he resolved. In the face of unspeakable loss, the Blue Jackets seek solace on the ice, where the echoes of clacking sticks and pucks may eventually bring not just the return of routine, but the first steps toward healing.