Black cloud hovers over start of NHL season
It’s going to be a sad beginning to the 2024-25 National Hockey League season as the Aug. 29 death of all-star winger Johnny Gaudreau is going to overshadow the traditional start-of-season thrills
September 30, 2024
The 31-year-old Gaudreau, who racked up 743 points in 11 seasons and was one of the most popular players in the league because of his diminutive stature, electric skating and deft moves, was killed when mowed down by an alleged drunk driver while Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, were out cycling the night before their sister’s wedding. Matthew died, too.
So when Columbus opens its new season at home on Oct. 15 against Florida Panthers, it will be a solemn occasion. Tributes will be made; a video presentation of Gaudreau’s life and hockey career will be shown. Tears will flow. Such a tragic ending to a life with so much promise.
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