Johnny Gaudreau’s Tribute: How Hockey Connects Us

Johnny Gaudreau’s Tribute

There are few things that we value more in this world than our heroes—the people who inspire us to be what we wish to become. And when our heroes die, we can feel the weight of that acutely. 

That heaviness was felt by many fans over the past few weeks as they reflected on the tribute honoring Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau who died in an automobile accident on August 29 of this year. 

During the face-off, the players tapped the puck so that it landed in Gaudreau’s spot. They ran thirteen seconds off of the clock to represent Gaudreau’s player number. The crowd remained silent, and many have commented after the fact that this gesture was deeply meaningful. 

For many, this is a moment that will not be easily forgotten. For those who have been longtime fans of Johnny, there is no doubt a sense of sadness and loss—it is hard to lose someone who has inspired us with their life and career. But something is inspiring even in the departure of a man like Johnny who was committed to his sport, his friends, and his family. That is a noble legacy. 

How Hockey Connects Us

And all of this is made possible because of a commitment that we share to the game of hockey. When you get right down to it, hockey is nothing more than a game involving ice skating and hitting black discs with L-shaped sticks. And yet, for some reason that seems completely irrational and completely human, these games often come to mean a great deal to us. As humans, we tend to gather together around shared objectives. Sports like hockey can do just that. They provide an outlet for people to form new friends. For many, sports are a way for people to enjoy the fun of competition without any risk. And, as with the case of Johnny Gaudreau, sports can introduce us to some of our greatest heroes. 

It's not always clear what makes someone a hero. Some are heroes for their grand expressions of bravery, sacrificing their well-being and sometimes even their lives for the sake of innocent people. Others are heroes because they make some significant contribution to culture or society. Inventors like the Wright brothers pioneered a new mode of human travel: aviation. Edison created the light bulb. Bach perfected the musical technique of counterpoint, permanently altering the world of classical composition. 

But athletes don’t typically fit either of these molds. With some notable exceptions, most athletes have not become famous for some kind of public service in the armed forces or as first responders. And by the very nature of sports, athletic feats last only for a moment. 

But as athletes spend their lives dedicated to improving their skill and physical capabilities, they teach us something about what it means to chase after your dreams with a single-minded focus. Through their drive to succeed and take their teams to victory, they satisfy our human longing to see boldness and courage on full display. And for athletes like Johnny Gaudreau, we learn what it means to be a good man who loved his wife and family well. Though an athlete’s plays and victories might be short-lived, these lessons are anything but. And as we remember the legacy of men like Gaudreau, they can continue to impact us here and now.