The world and hockey fans alike mourn the death of hockey legend Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Michael Gaudreau. The brothers were biking in their home town of New Jersey the night before their sister’s wedding when they were recklessly hit and killed by a drunk driver. 

Over and over again society is reminded to not drive while intoxicated yet more people each day are affected by people irresponsibly getting behind the wheel while drunk. 

The first thought behind drunk driving is the fear of receiving a ticket for the illegal actions. However, that is the most insignificant consequence. A first offense of operating a vehicle over the legal drinking limit can earn a drunk driver a $4,000 fine. Moreover that is simply the baseline as the endangerment of others, being caught with an open container, and following offenses only earn more fines. 

Not only are drivers risking their own life by drinking and driving, they are risking the lives and future of others. In 2022, Johnny Gaudreau signed a six year contract to the New Jersey Blue Jackets worth $69 million. He had made six all-star appearances and was destined to make more. Gaudreau was a star in hockey and loved by fans of all ages and teams.

The loss of Johnny and Michael Gaudreau was a tragedy for the hockey community, but the impact on his family is even greater. Johnny Gaudreau is the father to two children under the age of two, and his wife pregnant with a third. Michael Gaudreau’s wife is also pregnant with their first. The loss of their fathers leaves the kids to grow up without a father in their homes, and without the chance to develop memories of him either. 

As hockey fans mourn the loss of hockey legend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Michael Gaudreau, they should reflect on the irresponsible and reckless decisions that led to their death. The next time hockey fans or anyone with a license to drive need to remember actions have real life consequences and one mistake could change many lives forever.