BC remembers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and Tony Voce before home opener

First, a nearly two and a half minute tribute played on the scoreboard.

“This past summer, the Boston College hockey family mourned the loss of three incredible players whose passion for the game touched countless lives,” it began.

It was the latest in a series of emotional tributes to the Gaudreaus, who left their mark from Columbus to Philadelphia to Chestnut Hill. The Gaudreau brothers were killed Aug. 29 when police said they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while biking near their parents' home in New Jersey on the eve of their sister's wedding.

Johnny Gaudreau was the 2014 Hobey-Baker winner and two-time Hockey East Player of the Year and led the Eagles to the 2012 national championship. Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” he would begin his 12th NHL season, his third with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who honored the brothers on Tuesday and September 25th.

“His vision and skill changed the way the game was played,” the voiceover says. “(He) was a true artist with the puck. . . He was more than an athlete. He was a community leader known for his community service and commitment to giving back. His spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those he inspired.”

Matthew Gaudreau led the Eagles in points as a senior and won two Beanpots before embarking on a five-year professional career.

“Matthew Gaudreau, a warrior, faced every challenge with courage and determination,” the tribute reads. “His contributions extended beyond the rink as he dedicated his life to mentoring future stars as a coach.”

Voce was a 2004 Hobey-Baker finalist and a member of the Eagles' 2001 national championship team, where he contributed to the game-winning goal in overtime. He was a two-time All-American and two-time Hockey East first-team All-Star and died in July at age 43.

“He was a fierce competitor and a beloved teammate. . . “He was known for his tireless commitment on the ice and inspired a generation of young players,” the voiceover says.

The Gaudreaus and Voce will be honored throughout the season. Their initials are on the plaques in front of the BC Bank. The Eagles wear badges with their initials, and the indoor hockey trophy case has been updated to highlight the accomplishments of all three players.

During warmups for the Hockey East opener Nov. 8 against Maine, BC players will wear jerseys with Voce's No. 13, Johnny Gaudreau's No. 13 or Matthew Gaudreau's No. 21.

The jerseys are available via an online auction. Proceeds will go to the Tony Voce Foundation and an adaptive playground initiative at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey

Brendan Kurie can be reached at [email protected].