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Pittsburgh Penguins' Kevin Hayes remembers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Originally posted on Blade of Steel
By Brett Thomas Wills | Last updated Sep 1, 2024 11:34 AM ET

Kevin Hayes of the Pittsburgh Penguins shared an Instagram post Saturday remembering Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau.

As tributes continue to pour in for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Pittsburgh Penguins forward and longtime friend of the duo going back to their time at Boston College Kevin Hayes shared an Instagram post honouring Matthew and Hayes' best friend Johnny.

In the post, shared Saturday Hayes recalls meeting the pair after being asked to walk the brothers around the Boston College campus. Kevin expresses his gratitude that the Gaudreau's entered his life and explains that anyone who had met them was truly happier; that he's sad he'll never be able to call John again, sharing the qualities he saw within the now-deceased superstar. Remembering that he was the best friend, father, husband, brother, son and teammate that anyone could ask for. He signs off acknowledging that the entire Gaudreau family is in the Hayes' thoughts and prayers.

The tragedy that the Gaudreaus currently face, and the sadness and emotion is unfortunately something that Kevin and the Hayes family know all too well, albeit under different circumstances. Many will remember that Kevin's brother Jimmy was found dead at the age of 31. It was later deemed he likely passed from a drug overdose as it was found he had fentanyl & cocaine in his system.

For the Hayes family at the time of Jimmy's death, the Gaudreaus are probably facing the same sorts of feelings with the loss of Johnny and Matthew, but as it's been mentioned by so many people, grief comes in waves and no timeline accompanies it. Having people around you to support you during difficult times is important and at a time like this is paramount.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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