Grief and Resilience: Blue Jackets Face Difficult Season Ahead
Grief and Resilience: Blue Jackets Face Difficult Season Ahead
The familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass returned to the ice, but they did little to wash away the lingering grief for Don Waddell and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The tragic events of this past August have cast a somber shadow over the team as they prepare for the new season.
On August 29, tragedy struck when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The emotional toll on the team and its fans has been profound. Blue Jackets' General Manager Don Waddell has been candid about the experience, stating, “We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family."
Waddell's words echoed the sentiments of an organization still reeling from the loss. While most players have returned to their facility, the shockwaves of the tragedy are still palpable. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell continued.
A solemn moment of silence was observed before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres, a poignant reminder of those lost. This is not the first time Waddell has faced such adversity. In 2003, he experienced another tragedy when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, leading to the death of teammate Dan Snyder. The scars from these events, both past and present, shape his approach to leading the team through difficult times.
Further accentuating the grief was the memory of 2021 when Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a July Fourth fireworks accident. These experiences have hardened yet also sensitized the organization, forcing them to confront grief while pushing forward.
Support from the NHL and NHLPA
In response to the recent events, both the NHL and the NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support. This assistance includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related issues. Conversations about altering the league's salary cap rules to offer some relief to Columbus are ongoing.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman succinctly captured the emotional state of the organization, stating, "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." Bettman emphasized the importance of prioritizing the grieving process over immediate operational concerns.
A New Season Amidst Tragedy
Despite the harrowing circumstances, the Blue Jackets are gearing up for a new season. Training camp is slated to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The team faces immediate practical challenges, with two openings on their roster at forward—one due to Justin Danforth’s wrist injury.
Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are tasked with navigating these turbulent waters while molding a competitive team. "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.
For players like Gavin Brindley, the personal impact has been intense. Reflecting on his loss, Brindley said, "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."
Unity and Forward Momentum
Yet, amidst the sorrow, a sense of unity and purpose has emerged. Waddell noted, "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that." The resilience of the Blue Jackets is evident in their readiness to face the upcoming season, underlined by their physical preparation. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," remarked Waddell.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on the new season, they do so with heavy hearts but a collective resolve to honor their fallen teammate. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell declared.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, a team marked by loss and adversity, stand at the threshold of a new chapter. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with the support of the NHL community and their united strength, they aim to navigate the season with both courage and resilience.
