Johnny Gaudreau's resurfaced clip reveals what NHL star wanted his legacy to be years before death

OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY: A video clip from May of 2022 featuring NHL star Johnny Gaudreau has resurfaced, offering a poignant reminder of his thoughts on legacy and life.

Just two years before his untimely death, Johnny shared his hopes for how he wanted to be remembered by the Calgary Flames and their fans.

The clip, which was recently reposted on the hftvsports Instagram page, captures Johnny, then 28, candidly discussing his aspirations beyond the ice, as per PEOPLE.

Johnny Gaudreau's resurfaced clip reveals how he wanted to be remembered

When asked about his legacy in Calgary, Canada, where he played for nearly a decade with the Flames, Johnny expressed a deep desire to be remembered not just for his athletic prowess, but for his character.

"When my time does end here, I hope people remember me as a good person off the ice, a good teammate and just a good person," Johnny said in the interview.

Months after this interview, Johnny decided to leave Calgary and signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Even as he prepared to embark on a new chapter in his career, he remained focused on the impact he had made off the ice.

"People can think what I did on the ice, but for me personally, I just want people to know how grateful I am for them welcoming me here and hopefully it’s a few more years here and they can get stuck with me," he added with a touch of humor.

These words now carry a deeper significance in light of the tragic events that unfolded on August 29.

Johnny and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were killed in a bike accident in Oldmans Township near Salem County, New Jersey.

The two had returned to their hometown for a special family occasion— their sister Katie's wedding, scheduled for the following day, August 30. The brothers were to be groomsmen in the wedding, which was ultimately canceled in the wake of the tragedy, as reported by TMZ.

The accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew occurred as they were cycling along Country Route 551 North just after 8 pm.

According to New Jersey State Police, the driver, Sean M Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol when he attempted to pass another car, striking the brothers and killing them instantly.

Higgins was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.

In the days following the accident, tributes poured in for Johnny and Matthew, highlighting the profound impact they had on those around them.

Johnny Gaudreau's resurfaced clip sparks flurry of reactions online

As Johnny Gaudreau's resurfaced clip spread around the internet, social media quickly erupted with a flurry of reactions.

On Instagram, one person remarked, "Perhaps they were never meant to be apart. The heartache this whole family is feeling has to be horrendous." Another said, "And they will now be together forever."

"Such a crushing, terrible Tragedy. So many lives affected by this," wrote one person.  Another added, "'Everything we do is always together' sent chills down my spine."

One individual wrote, "The Gaudreau brothers will always be remembered as pure souls, rest in peace to the brothers." Another pointed out, "Tragic, RIP to the Gaudreau Brothers and condolences to the entire family."

One netizen remarked, "God bless these brothers. These men." Another added, "Still can't believe it. What an awful way to start the day. Rest in peace to them. They are for sure joining the heaven."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.