johnny hockey 🕊️
wanted to pay tribute to hockey legend johnny gaudreau who died very recently in one of the few ways i can, quote is from him
“I’m not a grinder I’m not a gimmick And, in general, I’m just not a big guy But I don’t need to be I’m a hockey player”
it’s always been there in your mind hockey stick in hand before you could walk thinking, “i was born for this”
it’s a mantra it sticks with you through years of rejection because you’re “just not good enough”
but you know the truth deep in your heart you are good enough you are more than good enough they don’t believe because you’re “not big enough”
but they can’t stop you because you’re a rocket you’re a shooting star you’re a superstar you were born for this
you’ve made it they call your name you’re not even onstage you could hardly see it coming it’s a dream come true
you could never know back then, wide-eyed and eighteen that you’d ever even make the real show let alone become one of the forces that drives it
“you’re too small” you still hear it, sometimes but it doesn’t take long until it fades because you showed them up
through years of cheers and best friendships built to last and goals and yells and purple gatorade and becoming a hero for folks young and old
then you leave because you love where you’ve been but you also love where you’re headed close to home to the ones you love more than anyone
and when you return to that old home they’re angry, “why did you leave?” but their jeers turn to cheers because they love you too much to ever hate you
and your new home loves you how could they not?
you were a guiding light for a generation and more to come proof that nothing can stop someone from achieving what they truly want even when the odds are stacked against them
you have left a mark on the homes in which you lived and the people who were lucky enough to know you
you deserved more you deserved to spend the rest of your life inspiring us all to chase the stars to be who we know we can be
you will never be forgotten held in the hearts of family and friends and fans and anyone who has ever known you even for a moment
you were born to do this you were born for hockey and now your spirit powers it’s future as you play peacefully with your brother on all those rinks in heaven
you will forever be missed
johnny gaudreau (1993-2024)
matthew gaudreau (1994-2024)
