SEWELL, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Hockey fans across the continent mourn the loss of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The Salem County natives were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver nearly a week ago. South Jersey’s ice hockey community is feeling the tragedy acutely.
In Columbus, Ohio, the Blue Jackets held a vigil on Wednesday evening to honor the Gaudreau brothers. Fans held candles and observed a period of silent reflection for their star forward and his brother.
Nearly 500 miles away, outside the doors of Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, another memorial continues to grow by the hour, as more artifacts are added to dozens of hockey sticks, bouquets of flowers, ice skates, notes, bags of Skittles and bottles of Gatorade.
The Gaudreau family and the arena are part of each others’ history.
The arena’s owner, Jim Mackey, says the two have been an inspiration to skaters at the rink. “You know, our junior hockey players run from 16, 17, 20 years old. They all aspire to play college hockey, and possibly beyond. And Matty had done just that,” Mackey said.
Johnny went onto play 11 seasons in the NHL. Matthew returned to his South Jersey roots after playing five years of minor league hockey. He became a coach at both Gloucester Catholic High School and at Hollydell.
Mackey says their father, Guy, also worked at the arena for many years.
“A tremendous hockey coach and a tremendous teacher of the skills of the game to young kids,” Mackey said.
“And I believe the story goes that when Guy first started coaching his sons and teaching his sons how to play, he would put Skittles on the ice for the boys or any of his students, 'cause they'd sort of have to lean down, pick them up, learn their edges, get a little reward.”
South Jersey mom Kim Wright’s sons play ice hockey at Hollydell.
“As a parent, when I see those boys, I see my own kids. And when my boys and our kids see Matty and Johnny and everything that they achieve, they see themselves,” Wright said.
A local vigil is planned for Friday night at Gloucester Catholic High School.
“It's tragic, but we're going to work hard to celebrate them as well,” said Mackey.