Is this the tragedy, the warning, the “that-could-have-been-me” moment that will finally bring an end to one of the most painfully avoidable scourges of our society?
Is this the story that people might remember when they are about to get behind the wheel after a few beers, the reminder they need that will get them to hop on a bus or tap a few buttons to get an Uber instead of driving?
You’ve most likely heard the heart-rending story of Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, both killed by a driver last week while cycling in New Jersey.
Johnny grew up in Jersey and rose to hockey stardom, gaining acclaim as a player who was small in stature but big on talent. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA hockey in 2014, starring for Boston College. He stayed in college an extra season so he could play one year with Matthew.
After winning the Hobey Baker he made an impressive leap to the NHL, scoring his first professional goal on his first shot in his first game with the Calgary Flames. In his first full NHL season he was picked to play in the All-Star Game, and over a 10-year career he put up 743 points in 763 regular season NHL games. He was still in his prime, set to star again for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.
Matthew was a talented forward too, playing four seasons at Boston College before moving on to play several pro seasons in the minor leagues.
Johnny and Matthew were back in New Jersey last week to attend their sister’s wedding, both scheduled to be groomsmen. A rehearsal dinner was held the night before the wedding. Hours later, the two brothers were cycling when they were allegedly hit from behind by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to police reports. They both died.
A man was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, as well as charges of reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle, according to The Associated Press.
The story has spread far and wide because, of course, Johnny Gaudreau was a well-known hockey player, with tributes pouring in from fans, teams, leagues and other professional athletes from across the sports world.
But it’s much more than a sports story. Johnny leaves behind a wife, Meredith, and two young children.
“The absolute best dad in the world,” Meredith wrote about her late husband in an Instagram post. “So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy.”
Those kids don’t care about the NHL. They just want their dad.
Matthew also leaves behind a wife, Madeline, who is pregnant with their first child.
The man accused, who is in custody now and expected to appear in court again Sept. 5, is reportedly married as well, and the father of two daughters. The devastation spreads wide.
Indeed, it spreads everywhere. Find any webpage run by Mothers Against Drunk Driving – regional, provincial, state, national – and you’ll find story after story of families torn apart by impaired drivers. All devastating, all avoidable.
And yet, it continues to happen.
There is also the issue of safety for cyclists, who deserve the right to be able to ride without fear of a collision they have no chance of winning.
Is this the story that will make an impact? The media attention is there – Johnny played for the U.S. national team, this story is hitting people hard in the States.
And Canadians love their NHL hockey, and Johnny starred for the Calgary Flames for years.
Maybe this hits an important demographic – maybe this is the one that people in the bar will remember, the people who have some drinks while watching the game. Maybe as they get ready to head home, they’ll remember Johnny Gaudreau, and his brother Matt. Or maybe they’ll think of the man now in prison.
Nothing will erase the pain, the guilt, the sorrow of this story. But maybe someone will learn this story, remember it, and somewhere down the road, make a different decision. And then maybe the next story won’t need to be written.
Andy Prest is the editor of the North Shore News. His humour/lifestyle column runs biweekly.
