The Boston College hockey community is in mourning after the tragic deaths of former star players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with Tony Voce, all within the past few months. In a heartfelt tribute, the school has announced plans for emotional ceremonies and memorials throughout the upcoming season to honor these BC hockey legends taken far too soon.
Tragedy Strikes BC Hockey Family
The hockey world was rocked by the devastating news that brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who both starred for Boston College, were killed after being struck by a vehicle while bicycling in their home state of New Jersey. The accident occurred just one day before their sister’s wedding, compounding the heartbreak for the close-knit Gaudreau family.
Only weeks later, the Eagles program was dealt another crushing blow with the sudden passing of Tony Voce at age 43. The cause of death for Voce, a key member of BC’s 2001 national championship team, has not been publicly disclosed. The string of tragedies has left the tight-knit BC hockey community reeling and searching for ways to honor the memories of these beloved figures.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Brilliant Career
Johnny Gaudreau, widely known as “Johnny Hockey,” was one of the most electrifying players in Boston College history. The speedy and skilled forward dazzled fans with his creativity and prolific scoring, helping lead the Eagles to the 2012 NCAA championship. Gaudreau’s dominance was recognized with the 2014 Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in college hockey.
His success at BC translated to an excellent pro career, primarily with the Calgary Flames. Over 11 NHL seasons with the Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, Gaudreau amassed 405 goals and 662 assists in 908 games, cementing his status as one of the best offensive players of his era. He was a multi-time All-Star selection and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for gentlemanly play in 2017.
Johnny was a once-in-a-generation type player and an even better person. He brought so much joy to our program, the BC community, and to hockey fans everywhere with his incredible skill and passion for the game. Our hearts are broken.
— BC head coach Jerry York
Matthew Gaudreau Shined for BC
While not as famous as his superstar older brother, Matthew Gaudreau carved out his own excellent career at Boston College. The younger Gaudreau was a key player for the Eagles, winning two prestigious Beanpot Tournament titles during his tenure. As a senior in 2017-18, he led BC in scoring, displaying the same Gaudreau flair that fans adored in his brother Johnny.
Although his professional career was brief, Matthew’s impact and popularity in the BC community were immense. Friends and former teammates have shared an outpouring of stories remembering Matthew as an incredibly caring person and supportive teammate who always went out of his way to make others feel valued.
Tony Voce’s Championship Legacy
Tony Voce played a critical role in one of the greatest accomplishments in Boston College hockey history — the thrilling run to the 2001 NCAA championship. Voce’s tenacious two-way play and timely scoring punch helped power that Eagles squad to the national title, defeating perennial powerhouse North Dakota in overtime in a game for the ages.
He went on to an impressive individual career as well, earning first-team All-American honors and being named a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2004. Voce played professionally in the AHL and in Europe before becoming a successful businessman. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the BC hockey world, as former teammates and coaches remembered him as the ultimate competitor and devoted family man.
BC Plans Emotional Tributes
To honor the immense impact and legacies of the Gaudreaus and Voce, Boston College has announced several tributes for the 2024-25 season:
- Uniform patches with the initials “TV” for Tony Voce and “JG” and “MG” for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
- Decals with the initials on the boards in front of the BC bench at the Conte Forum
- A pregame ceremony and moment of silence before BC’s home opener vs. American International
- A video tribute to be played during the game
- For warm-ups before the Hockey East opener vs. Maine, each BC player will wear the jersey of either Voce or one of the Gaudreaus
We all remember exactly where we were when we heard the incomprehensible news about the Gaudreaus, and then for Tony just a short time later. The BC hockey family is recovering from events we never could have imagined. This season, every game, every shift, will carry a greater meaning as we honor the lives of these three incredible young men who meant so much to our program and our community.
— BC Director of Athletics Blake James
In addition to the on-ice tributes, Boston College has reconfigured its hockey trophy case and memorial area to centrally feature the Gaudreaus and Voce, ensuring their legacies will forever be celebrated. As the Eagles take the ice this season with heavy hearts, there is no doubt they will be inspired by the memories of their fallen brothers, and that Johnny, Matthew, and Tony will be watching over them every step of the way.
