San Jose, CA (November 6, 2024): The hockey community is grappling with a heartbreaking loss following the tragic death of Susie Diaz, a devoted SAP Center staff member who worked as an usher for the San Jose Sharks. Known for her warm spirit, kindness, and deep dedication to the game and its fans, Susie was not only an integral part of the SAP Center but also a figure who went above and beyond to honor and support the legacies of those in the hockey world.
This story of dedication and compassion began months prior when Susie took on a deeply meaningful project inspired by the unexpected deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. The two brothers, both beloved members of the hockey community, had been killed in a tragic accident in August 2024. They were struck by a car while on their way to New Jersey for their sister’s wedding, leaving the entire hockey world in shock and grief. Susie, moved by their passing, took it upon herself to initiate a tribute plan that would honor Johnny’s legacy and offer support to the Columbus Blue Jackets team and their fans.
A Legacy of Kindness in Hockey
Susie’s connection to the Gaudreau brothers’ story went beyond the typical fan experience. She viewed Johnny Gaudreau, a highly regarded player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, as an inspiration both on and off the ice. Johnny was celebrated for his skill, sportsmanship, and generous heart, traits Susie admired. This admiration motivated her to develop a plan that would publicly express the San Jose Sharks’ solidarity with the Blue Jackets when they visited for the opening game of the 2024–25 NHL season. Susie suggested that the SAP Center staff wear commemorative “13” pins—a nod to Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey number—to show that the entire hockey community was in mourning.
Word of her idea spread quickly through the SAP Center staff, garnering enthusiastic support. To Susie, this gesture was more than a tribute; it was a way to connect and unite the hockey world over a shared tragedy, sending a message of resilience and solidarity.
Unforeseen Tragedy Strikes Again
However, fate dealt a cruel blow. Before her vision could become reality, Susie passed away unexpectedly. While details surrounding her death remain private, the announcement of her passing has left colleagues, friends, and the wider hockey community in a state of profound shock and sadness. Her death marked yet another painful chapter for the San Jose Sharks community, especially given the emotional context of the tribute she had planned.
The San Jose Sharks quickly released a statement, expressing deep condolences to Susie’s family and honoring her contributions to the team. “Susie Diaz was more than a dedicated employee; she was family. Her kindness, her generosity, and her passion for hockey and the San Jose Sharks will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and pledge to honor her memory in every way we can,” the statement read.
The hockey world is also rallying behind Susie’s vision. Many fans, both from San Jose and Columbus, have taken to social media to show their support for her “13” pin initiative. In a tweet that has since gone viral, a fan wrote, “Susie Diaz showed us what the hockey family is all about—love, loyalty, and solidarity. Let’s make sure her dream lives on.”
The Heart-Wrenching Connection: Remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
The accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau remains etched in the minds of many. In August, the Gaudreau brothers were preparing for a road trip to New Jersey to attend their sister’s wedding when the unthinkable happened. The brothers, deeply loved by their family, teammates, and the wider hockey community, left behind an irreplaceable void. Johnny, a star left-winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was an admired figure in the league. His on-ice skill was matched only by his off-ice warmth and commitment to his family and fans. His younger brother, Matthew, while not an NHL player, was equally celebrated in his local hockey community, embodying the same passion and drive as Johnny.
To honor Johnny, the Columbus Blue Jackets organized an emotional ceremony on their home ice, with fans and teammates gathering to pay their respects. Blue Jackets fans donned “13” jerseys and held candles in a tribute to the fallen star. The emotional gathering demonstrated the depth of Johnny’s impact not only as a player but as a person whose legacy would continue to inspire.
It was this ceremony that inspired Susie to organize a tribute of her own. As a long-time fan and usher, Susie believed in hockey as a force that united people, and she hoped to express this unity through her symbolic gesture of support.
A Touching Tribute: Carrying on Susie’s Legacy
After Susie’s sudden passing, the SAP Center staff and hockey fans in San Jose and beyond have vowed to ensure that her tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is fulfilled. Plans are already underway to honor her vision by implementing her suggestion to wear the “13” pins when the Columbus Blue Jackets next visit the SAP Center. Fans are also urging the San Jose Sharks organization to make this tribute an annual event, potentially as part of the team’s official game-night traditions.
The San Jose Sharks plan to memorialize Susie in their own way, possibly establishing a moment of silence or a dedicated night during the upcoming season to honor her contributions to the team and her unforgettable spirit of compassion. A close friend and co-worker shared, “Susie believed in the power of community. She felt deeply for anyone touched by tragedy, and her kindness was felt by everyone who met her.”
Continuing Support for the Hockey Community
As the news of Susie’s passing continues to spread, fans are also bringing attention to mental health awareness, particularly within the hockey community. Her death, like that of the Gaudreau brothers, has highlighted the profound impacts of loss and the need for supportive networks. Mental health advocates are urging sports organizations, including the NHL, to use these tragedies as a starting point for discussions about providing support and resources for both players and fans who may be struggling with loss, grief, or personal challenges.
In memory of Johnny, Matthew, and Susie, fans are organizing online fundraisers and support groups, intending to provide financial assistance to families affected by similar tragedies. Others are campaigning for increased mental health support within sports arenas and stadiums, advocating for the availability of on-site mental health services for fans and staff alike. In San Jose, local fan clubs have already mobilized, pledging to contribute to a fund that will sponsor mental health workshops and grief counseling sessions at the SAP Center.
Honoring Lives and Legacies
The loss of Susie Diaz is a reminder of the unique community bond that hockey creates. It connects people not only through a shared passion for the sport but through empathy and a profound sense of solidarity. For fans, players, and organizations, Susie’s story—and her dedication to honoring Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau—serves as a lasting testament to the impact of kindness and compassion in times of shared grief.
As the San Jose Sharks and SAP Center staff move forward, the community is united in preserving Susie’s legacy and ensuring her vision of honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s memory becomes an enduring tribute. In the words of the San Jose Sharks’ President, “Susie embodied the heart of this community. Her legacy will be carried forward with the same dedication she showed every day, not only in her work but in her efforts to bring us together, no matter the distance or differences.”
The hockey community, now facing yet another shared sorrow, remains resolved to uphold her spirit. Fans and friends alike remember Susie for her empathy, her warmth, and the unwavering dedication that made her an unforgettable part of the SAP Center family. Through this shared tribute, her memory will continue to touch lives and inspire the hockey world, uniting players, fans, and families in a legacy of compassion and unity.
