Oilers’ Derek Ryan on passing of Johnny Gaudreau: ‘The legend of Johnny Hockey will never be forgotten’
A massive outpouring of tributes have continued into Friday afternoon for the late Johnny Gaudreau, 31, who died alongside his brother, Matthew, 29, Thursday night.
The brothers died when they were struck and killed by a car driven by an alleged drunk driver.
News of their tragic passing was confirmed Friday morning by commissioner Gary Bettman, who said “the National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened” by their deaths. Teams and players around the league have continued to offer condolences and eulogize both players, including Edmonton Oilers centre Derek Ryan.
Ryan played with Gaudreau for the USA’s national team at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships and with the Calgary Flames between 2018 and 2021. Ryan spoke with The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman, saying Gaudreau was an inspiration.
“I’ll always remember and cherish the years that I got to play with Johnny in Calgary and with Team USA,” he said. “His ability on the ice was amazing to behold, and I know that he’s inspired innumerable small, undersized hockey players to strive for greatness.
“I feel horrible for Meredith (Johnny’s wife), his two young children, and the entire Gaudreau family. Life just isn’t fair sometimes. In my mind, Johnny Hockey is looking down on his family now wearing a pair of heavenly hockey skates.
“The legend of Johnny Hockey will never be forgotten.”
