Tragedy Strikes the Hockey World: Boston College Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes
This season, Boston College will honor the memories of three beloved hockey players who left us far too soon. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with Tony Voce, will be remembered through a series of heartfelt tributes, including uniform patches, a sign on the boards in front of the team bench, and a moment of silence before the home opener.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
The Gaudreau brothers, Johnny and Matthew, were struck by a car while bicycling in New Jersey just a day before their sister’s wedding. The hockey world was shocked and saddened by the news of their passing. Tony Voce, a member of the Eagles’ 2001 national championship team, also died suddenly at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the ice.
A Lasting Legacy
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a hockey phenom who won the 2014 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey. He went on to play 11 years in the NHL for Calgary and Columbus. His younger brother, Matthew, was a two-time Beanpot champion who led the Eagles in points as a senior. Tony Voce was a first-team All-American and a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2004.
Tributes Abound
The Eagles will wear a patch with the initials “TV,” “JG,” and “MG” on their uniforms, and the initials will also be displayed on the boards at the Conte Forum. During warmups before the Hockey East opener against Maine on November 8, all members of the BC team will wear jerseys bearing the names of either Voce or one of the Gaudreaus. The school’s trophy case has also been reconfigured to honor the players.
A Community in Mourning
The tributes from Boston College are just the latest expression of grief from the hockey community, which has been deeply affected by the loss of these three talented players. As the season begins, the Eagles will come together to celebrate the lives and legacies of Johnny, Matthew, and Tony, ensuring that their memories live on forever.
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