The death of John Gaudreau and his little brother Matthew deeply impacted Nanaimo's Evan Richardson, who played collegiate hockey with the duo. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

By Ian Holmes

A time of mourning

‘Its been a very tough week’ death of Gaudreau brothers hits home for Nanaimo Clippers coach

Sep 6, 2024 | 2:12 PM

NANAMO — The untimely, tragic deaths of an NHL star forward and his brother rocked the tight-knit hockey world, with the pain also felt in Nanaimo.

Evan Richardson was a college teammate of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were struck and killed by an alleged impaired driver as the pair rode their bikes near their parent’s home in Salem County, New Jersey on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 29.

Richardson, a Nanaimo Clippers assistant coach, said it has been difficult to come to grips with what occurred and the impact it has had.

“Its been a very tough week…all of the memories become so vivid. We all know John as a hockey player, but the family side of things has really come to light here and that’s what makes it so tough for a lot of people because that’s stuff that really matters at the end of the day, that’s been the worst part for sure,” Richardson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, leaves behind his wife and two young children, while Matthew, 29, was married and expecting his first child.

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The 30-year-old Richardson, who suited up for the Boston College Eagles with the Gaudreau’s during the team’s 2013/14 season, said he’s been in touch with grief-stricken teammates.

“Everybody’s been reaching out to each other and making sure everybody’s okay — obviously it’s a wide net of who this effects in a multitude of ways.”

Richardson, entering his first season as an assistant coach with the BCHL’s Clippers, was a rookie on the NCAA division one team at Boston College and struggled to break into the lineup.

As a result, he ended up getting acquainted with Matthew Gaudreau, a fellow rookie.

The pair attended classes together at Boston College.

“I didn’t get in the lineup much that year and Matt was kind of in and out, so I got to watch a lot of hockey with him and hang out with him quite a bit.”

Richardson said John Gaudreau’s impact on the game of hockey was immense.

He said many undersized players of all ages and skill levels looked up to Gaudreau, who showed a player of his slight stature not only belonged in the NHL, but could excel.

“Every level that John went to, the USHL, college, everybody said ‘oh, he’s too small, this is the level he’s going to cap out at.’ It was only a matter of time until he was going to be a dominant player in the NHL.”

Richardson said what happened to Johnny and Matt underscores just how precious and fragile life can be.

“You never know what tomorrow’s going to bring, just make sure you’re being a good person, telling your family you love them and do everything you can for them — that’s what sticks out from this.”

Public vigils to honour the Gaudreau brothers were held this week in Calgary and Columbus, drawing thousands of people.

A funeral for the brothers will reportedly take place on Monday, Sept. 9.

Columbus Blue Jackets fans pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. (Charlie MacFarlane)

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ian.holemes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes