Grief and Resilience: The Blue Jackets Face New Season Amidst Tragedy
Grief and Resilience: The Blue Jackets Face New Season Amidst Tragedy
Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass was not enough to wash away the lingering 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, tragedy struck the Blue Jackets' family when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. This devastating incident has left a scar on the team that will not easily heal.
Waddell expressed the profound sadness that permeates the team. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he stated. His sentiments underscore the challenge the team faces, balancing the necessity to prepare for the upcoming season with the pervasive grief that still lingers.
Collective Mourning and Support
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, a sign of their collective effort to move forward. The organization held a moment of silence before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Sabres, a poignant reminder of the losses they have suffered.
This isn't Waddell's first encounter with tragedy. He reflected on 2003 when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. Further compounding the sorrow is the memory of 2021, when Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July. These events weave a complex tapestry of grief and resilience within the team.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, including grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even consideration of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
Leadership Through Hard Times
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell said, emphasizing the need to refocus despite the grief. His leadership, along with coach Dean Evason, who are both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, will be crucial as the team navigates this difficult period.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The Blue Jackets face the additional challenge of filling two openings on their roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
The spirit within the team, however, remains unbroken. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell affirmed. His words reflect the deep bond and shared purpose that drive the team forward.
The Emotional Toll
Gavin Brindley, one of the players, has been deeply affected by the loss. "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," he shared, offering a glimpse into the personal impact of the tragedy.
Similarly, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the state of the organization. "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. Bettman's words highlight the overarching grief that envelops the team.
A Resilient Spirit
Despite the sorrow, there's a sense of determination among the players. "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 observed, stressing the importance of unity in this healing process.
"The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted, pointing to the physical readiness of the team amidst the emotional challenges.
"We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded, encapsulating the spirit of resilience that defines the Blue Jackets as they prepare to embark on a new season, marked by both deep sorrow and unwavering resolve to honor their lost comrades.
