Notre Dame Fighting Irish pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau

Over the years, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey team has run up against its fair share of greats. One of those greats was Johnny Gadreau who clashed with the Blue and Gold on more than one occasion when he was a member of the Boston College Eagles.

While Gareau and the Irish were rivals during his playing days, the tragedy that struck on Thursday night transcends sports. That’s why Notre Dame issued a heartfelt remembrance of the Columbus Bluejacket.

We join the hockey community in mourning the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” the school wrote on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family, the Columbus Bluejackets, and all who knew both men, during this difficult time.”

Notre Dame Fighting Irish issue remembrance of fallen NHL star

Hockey is a very tight-knit community, and Notre Dame is part of that community. So when tragedy struck, the Irish felt the need to know that they’re mourning as much as those the tragedy directly impacts.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday night when they were struck  by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bicycles near their hometown in New Jersey. What makes the whole thing that much worse is that the family was preparing for their sisters’ wedding this weekend.

The Gaudreau brothers’ time at Boston College spanned from 2011 to 2017. While the Notre Dame Fighting Irish went 7-6 against the Eagles during that time, with most games when the Blue and Gold were members of Hockey East. However, Boston College went to three Frozen Fours and won the 2012 national championship. Johnny Gaudreau also won the Hobey Baker Award to cap his collegiate career in 2014.