Greg Brown, the former Sabres and Penguins coach-turned-Boston College hockey head coach, took some time to find the words. “Just such a loss… I mean such really special kids and it’s just tragic to lose two quality people like that so young,” said Brown while discussing the untimely demise of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, and another former Eagle Tony Voce.
As Boston prepares to enter the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship as the top overall seed, the wounds of their tragic loss are still fresh. There’s a ‘Prayer Board’ with the three names that young hockey star nurturing dreams of one day making it to the NHL pass by during practice. “That stares at every player, every day,” said the Director of Campus Ministry, Tony Penna.
It’s a bitter-sweet reminder for the players, reminding them what Boston icons like Gaudreau achieved, and what they are playing for. Yet, that is far from the only way; the university’s hockey program is honoring their former stars, the Gaudreau brothers and the Phantoms’ left-winger Tony Voce. “Each guy in this locker room knows what it means to wear that uniform,” said Eamon Powell.
“I think this year it means a little bit extra,” the Boston College defenseman told ESPN. That’s because this year, every eagle is carrying the initials of three Boston hockey icons, brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, alongside Tony Voce, on their jerseys. That patch, which sits just below the BC logo, reads TV, JG, and MG.
Coach Greg Brown explained just how much the stories of Johnny (31) and Matthew (29), who died in a road accident last year, and Voce who died at 43 due to a heart attack, have inspired the new generation of hockey players. “It seems like they’ve embraced it and want to do well to honor them,” added the former NHL coach. After all, Boston was where Johnny Gaudreau became a star.
How Johnny Gaudreau became Johnny Hockey
Former Boston coach Jerry York explained how the elder Gaudreau bother fearlessly played hockey. Recalling a national championship game when the coach advised the college hockey star to exercise caution, the former Calgary Flames star took it upon himself to score the goal. “Johnny says, ‘Hey, no fear, nothing just, here’s what I’m going to do,” recalled the coach.
On that night, Johnny Gaudreau would score a solo goal for the ages. And it was this fearless approach to hockey, despite his size disadvantage, that elevated the youngster from just another talent to ‘Johnny Hockey’. And while his younger brother didn’t reach the NHL or the superstardom, he also showcased how an undersized player can succeed against those bigger in stature.
“It’s a big reason why I wanted to come to Boston College,” confessed Eamon Powell. “You watch guys like them, who were undersized but made a significant impact and established that winning culture here at Boston,” added the defense. So at the end of the day, having their names on that jersey reminded each Boston player what they are playing for.
And Boston College is far from the only place where the Gaudreau brothers’ legacy lives on. Even as Boston makes the push for another NCAA title, their mother, Jane Gaudreau, is organizing a charity event in their memory. “Join the Gaudreau family and friends to honor John and Matty in the Gaudreau 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Day,” she invited the fans, and they are already signing up for the upcoming May 31st event. So although the Eagles may be gone, their legacy continues to live in the community.
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