COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nearly a week after Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed while riding their bikes in New Jersey, Jackets fans are getting another chance to memorialize them.

What You Need To Know

  • Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, were killed while biking in New Jersey 

  • Jackets General Manager, Don Waddell, says right now their focus is on grieving and supporting the Gaudreau family

  • Jackets players shared memories and stories about Johnny and his family 

The team hosted a vigil outside Nationwide Arena Wednesday evening.

Outside of Nationwide Arena, the vigil has grown since Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed last week.

Inside, the team’s general manager and Gaudreau’s teammates spoke, many of them holding back tears as they remembered the legacy of number 13.

“Johnny and Matthew were tragically killed in a cruel and senseless manner and I ask that everyone continue to keep this very close, loving family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Don Waddell, General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

While Waddell didn’t get to work with Gaudreau very long here in Columbus, he got to know the hockey star during the time together with USA Hockey.

Waddell said the team has received an outpouring of love from the NHL family and from the local sports community.

Meanwhile, Jacket players are certainly grieving the loss of their teammate and, more importantly, their friend. 

Blue Jackets Captain Boone Jenner said the Gaudreau brothers were close. 

“It was easy to see very quickly how tight-knit and together their family was,” Jenner said.

Gaudreau’s teammates are doing their best to recite stories of special memories they shared together. 

“One of the many things I’ll miss is seeing people’s reaction to his pregame meal routine for the first time. A mountain of sauce free pasta, topped with butter and a coke,” Jenner said.

But there’s also a lesson that teammate Erik Gudbranson hopes will come from this tragedy.

“If you think about driving after a few beers or a fun night, please, please, please do not. Find a way home,” Gudbranson said.

Waddell said he knows there are questions about how their team will move forward without Gaudreau and the impact his loss will have on their lineup.

But he said those questions are for another day.

Right now, the focus is on grieving and supporting the Gaudreau family.