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, dealing a devastating blow to the Blue Jackets community.
Resilient but Heartbroken
As players began to return to their facility, a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. This solemn observance underscored the depth of the heartache felt by the team.
Waddell, no stranger to tragedy, reflected on his own past experiences. In 2003, he was affected by the loss of Dan Snyder, who was killed after forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car and struck a wall. More recently, the Blue Jackets suffered another blow when goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident in 2021.
A Unified Front
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, offering grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even talk of potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some financial relief.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The Blue Jackets face the further challenge of filling two forward positions on their roster, one of which is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Waddell and coach Dean Evason, newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are striving to guide the team through these turbulent times. Despite the adversity, Waddell remains resolute: "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he said. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
A Reason to Play
The emotional weight is palpable for everyone involved. "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," Waddell emphasized. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
The readiness of the players is a small beacon of hope amidst the sorrow. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already, and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
Reflections from the Ice
Gavin Brindley, a player deeply affected by the loss, reflected on Johnny Gaudreau's mentorship and the close bond they shared. "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," Brindley shared, his voice heavy with emotion.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization poignantly. "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," he said. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Despite the immense challenge, the Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season, united in their grief and determination. The shadows of recent losses loom large, but with resilience and the collective strength of the community, they aim to honor those they have lost by playing the game they love.