Johnny Gaudreau’s Boston College coach opens up after ‘special’ star’s tragic death: ‘Joy to coach’

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau shared some of their brightest moments on the ice at Boston College, where they played seven combined seasons, one of which came together.

The BC community was among those mourning Friday when both brothers were tragically killed in an alleged drunk driving accident in their New Jersey hometown.

“They were such a joy to coach,” longtime BC coach Jerry York said in an interview with CBS Boston. “Each coach wants to have the best practice today and they would make it the best practice when they stepped on the ice because they were so creative, so full of energy. We are going to miss them unbelievably.”

As a freshman in 2012, Johnny Gaudreau helped Boston College to a national title, scoring a highlight-reel goal in the national championship game against Ferris State with three minutes to go, all but handing the Eagles the trophy.

He later won the 2014 Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the sport.

York compared Gaudreau’s passing abilities to Larry Bird’s, telling CBS Boston, “He knew where everyone was and could make all the passes.”

Follow the NY Post’s coverage on NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic death at 31:

Current BC coach Greg Brown, an assistant on York’s staff at the time, told CBS Boston that Gaudreau “put us over the edge” in winning the title.

“They were special kids and we were fortunate to have them in our lives,” Brown told the outlet.

Kevin Hayes, a teammate of Gaudreau’s at BC, also posted a tribute to Gaudreau on Instagram. 

“Love you John! Say hello to Beau’s dad for me,” he wrote, alongside a photo of his nephew, Beau, appearing to high-five Gaudreau.