Johnny Gaudreau

A Player to remember

High School

If he never played organized hockey past high school he would still be remembered as a great hockey player as his induction into the New Jersey High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, scoring over 100 points his last two years and playing in the NJSIAA Championship attests to.

College

As a freshman he helped Boston College win the NCAA Championship, he also earned the Hobey Baker Award by leading the country in goals and assists one season, and before that season he won a gold medal on the US National team in the World Junior Championship.

NHL

Perhaps if JG (Johnny Gaudreau) was six feet or taller instead of 5’ 9” he more likely than not would have been drafted in the first round, instead 103 players were selected before him as the Calgary Flames used their fourth round pick for him.

In the 2013-14 NHL season JG played one game, had 15 minutes of ice time, took one SOG and scored his first NHL goal, over the next eight seasons scored 20+ goals twice, 30+ goals twice, and 40 goals once.

JG was selected to the All-Rookie All-Star team, every season placed in voting for the Lady Byng which he won in his third season, and selected to the All-Star first team two seasons ago after notching 40 goals.

Then the trade to Columbus where he struggled to reach 20 goals and 50 assists for each of his two years as a Blue Jacket but both sides wanted and signed an extension for JG to stay in Columbus.

Pain & Tragedy

I take solace in the fact JG attended a Catholic HS and was taught the Good News, so while his family, friends, teammates, and hockey fans miss him terribly, they can have hope and faith that Johnny Gaudreau is resting in peace while awaiting our Lord’s return.