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 Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager was candid about the emotional toll that recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the Blue Jackets' preseason, an emotional burden that the team is striving to overcome as they prepare for the upcoming season.
A Somber Beginning
Most Blue Jackets players have already returned to their facility, and the season preparations are in full swing. However, the somber mood was palpable at Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, where a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff. This gesture was a stark reminder of the deep sorrow that has enveloped the team.
Don Waddell, reflecting on the emotional weight, stated, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family." The sentiment resonates across the organization, which has experienced heartbreaking losses in the past, including the 2003 tragedy when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, killing teammate Dan Snyder, and the 2021 fatal accident that claimed the life of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks during Fourth of July celebrations.
Support from the Hockey Community
The gravity of the situation has prompted the NHL and the NHL Players' Association to step in, providing various forms of support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling, increased security measures at vigils, and assistance with hockey-related issues. The league is also considering alterations to its salary cap rules to offer some relief to Columbus during this challenging period.
For Waddell, who is no stranger to handling unforeseen challenges, this support is invaluable as the team navigates through these tough times. "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," he reflected.
New Beginnings Amidst Grief
Training camp is set to commence on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The camp arrives with a dual purpose: to equip the team for the season ahead and to offer a sanctuary for healing. There are currently two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward – one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Waddell and coach Dean Evason, newcomers to Columbus this offseason, now find themselves leading the team through this emotional turmoil. Waddell observed, "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year." The necessity to prepare for the new season contributes to the complex emotional landscape they must navigate.
Rallying Together
The team has shown resilience, with many of the players demonstrating solidarity and determination. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted, emphasizing the team's readiness to channel their grief into a purposeful drive on the ice.
The sentiment echoed by Waddell suggests a collective spirit: "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it." This resolve is mirrored within the locker room, where players draw strength from their connections to the Gaudreau family and each other. Gavin Brindley, deeply impacted by the loss, shared a poignant memory, "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."
The Road Ahead
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman aptly summarized the current 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." Bettman acknowledged the emotional haze enveloping the team, stating, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they carry with them the weight of their loss. Yet, they also carry a renewed sense of purpose, united by the desire to honor the memories of those they have lost. The rink may be a familiar setting, filled with the sounds of hockey, but for the Blue Jackets, it has become a place of healing, resilience, and remembrance.