"We all lost an extraordinary person, both on and off the ice, in last week's tragedy. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Gaudreau family, especially to Johnny's wife and two children, whom I had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing can fill the void in the hearts of their families and loved ones, but I hope it brings some comfort to know how much these two positively impacted so many people's lives. They will truly be missed.
Playing alongside your hero is something most people can only dream of. I was fortunate enough to be Johnny's teammate last summer, and it didn't take long for me to realize what an amazing person he was. He was the most welcoming, genuine, and funny guy I've ever met. Everyone gravitated toward him, and I took every opportunity I could to be around him. Not only was he an exceptional hockey player and teammate, but he was also down-to-earth and truly cared about every person he met.
The last few years playing under number 22 have been some of the best of my life. It was truly a dream come true, and I will always hold those memories and that number close to me. I wore number 13 at one point in my career because of Johnny, and I will now wear it again to honor him. He paved the way for smaller players and showed that we have a future in this game at the highest level. I will always be grateful for the inspiration he gave me and others.
Rest in peace, Johnny Hockey."
- Cole Caufield