Sask. hockey fan mourns death of NHLer Johnny Gaudreau

The hockey world continues to mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

The brothers were cycling when they were killed in New Jersey by an alleged drunk driver on Thursday night. 

Sixteen-year-old Lucas Meier is from Saskatoon and met Johnny Gaudreau twice when he was a member of the Calgary Flames.

“The first time I believe it was about 10 years ago, and the second time was in April of 2022,” said Meier. “Both times it was just a surreal moment … getting to meet your idol is something that every kid dreams of.”

Lucas Meier with Johnny Gaudreau in October 2015 (Lucas Meier Submitted)

Meier’s uncle was involved in the National Hockey League (NHL) for many years and helped set up the meet-and-greets.

Meier doesn’t remember everything Gaudreau said to him, but he does remember what stood out about the NHL All-Star.

“Him being a very kind person and very caring, (he) wanted to know how you were doing,” said Meier. “Just all around a great guy.” 

Meier thanked his mom for making him a Gaudreau fan while he was growing up.

“It was my mom who actually pointed him out for me,” said Meier. “She liked his style of play and his jersey number and I kind of got hooked from there.”

Gaudreau played for the Flames from the 2013-14 season to the 2021-22 season before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2022 off-season.

Calgary is where he earned the popular nickname ‘Johnny Hockey’.

Meier, 16, plays minor hockey in Saskatoon and he said that there was one aspect of Gaudreau’s game that he admired.

“He wasn’t the biggest guy out there,” said Meier. “But he feared nobody, which I think is a really great trait to have if you’re playing hockey.”

Meier said he saw the rumours last night as he was coming home from work and was constantly refreshing social media to see if it was true.

Meier also got to meet Gaudreau’s family in 2022 and he said they were some of the nicest people he’s ever met.

With files from 650 CKOM’s Brent Bosker

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