Matthew Tkachuk comes forward about his difficult mindset after the passing of close friend Johnny Gaudreau
Matthew Tkachuk was one of the closest friends of the late Johnny Gaudreau on the ice, and now he's opened up on what a tough time he's gone through.
This off-season has been hard for everyone in the NHL with the passing of Johnny Hockey, but for those that knew him and played alongside him throughout his stellar career in the NHL, it's hit even harder. In a recent interview, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk opened up on what it has been like without his friend, and it's safe to say that he has struggled just like everyone else that ever teamed up with No. 13.
I want to keep his memory very much alive. This was supposed to be the best summer of my life, and I have some wonderful memories from the past few months, but at the end of this incredible summer, the unimaginable happened.
Ever since I left Calgary and moved to Florida, all I've done is tell stories about Johnny. I was always talking about him. I hated being away from him, and we were always in touch.
We were so excited to play together again
Ever since I left Calgary and moved to Florida, all I've done is tell stories about Johnny. I was always talking about him. I hated being away from him, and we were always in touch.
We were so excited to play together again
Tkachuk would go on to note that he's grateful for where he is, as he is a Stanley Cup Champion and a professional hockey player on the highest level, but even people in that position have struggled with the loss of a close friend.
I know I'm lucky and that I have a good life, I'm a professional hockey player, but I won't lie to you-the past few weeks have been extremely, extremely, extremely tough... I still can't believe it. It's just so sad. All of it.
Gaudreau was one of the most beloved players in the entire NHL, with tributes flowing from everywhere in the hockey world, but most notably from the cities of Calgary and Columbus, who both got to witness the incredible player and person Gaudreau was. It's going to be hard for quite some time for Tkachuk and everyone in the NHL to get past this situation, but with the support of everyone in the NHL family, Gaudreau will be honoured and those players will be supported in the way that they should be.
Previously on Markerzone
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 113 ANSWERS Matthew Tkachuk comes forward about his difficult mindset after the passing of close friend Johnny Gaudreau Will Matthew Tkachuk top 115 points this season in Florida? | ||
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