Players including captain Boone Jenner, defenceman Erik Gudbranson and forward Cole Sillinger shared memories

Blue Jackets players, fans remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at Columbus vigil

Players including captain Boone Jenner, defenceman Erik Gudbranson and forward Cole Sillinger shared memories

“A little thing I did with John is I’d pick him up and give him a bear hug, and I wouldn’t put him down until he told me he loved me,” Gudbranson told the crowd. “He wouldn’t tell me for a long time. I know up here it was because he enjoyed the hug. We just miss him so much.” When the timer finished counting up and candle wax and tears commingled on the bricks outside the arena, chants began: “Johnny Hockey, Johnny Hockey, Johnny Hockey.” At 8:08, the players moved back inside the building as one. A similar vigil took place Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau played for nearly a decade. Earlier in the day in Columbus, players and general manager Don Waddell attempted to make sense of the senseless tragedy. “While there’s a huge hole in our lineup, there’s an even bigger one in our hearts,” Waddell said, acknowledging questions remain about how the team will move forward. “Our immediate focus is on supporting the Gaudreau family and supporting each other as we continue to grieve the loss of Johnny and Matthew.”