Columbus Blue Jackets players Boone Jenner, Erik Gudbranson, Sean Kuraly and Zach Werenski paid tribute to their former teammate Johnny Gaudreau during a team news conference on Wednesday.

“Over the last few days, going through all the emotions — anger, sadness, disbelief and emptiness — I realized how much I love John,” Blue Jackets captain Jenner said, recounting the shock of losing his beloved peer and the immense sadness he felt.

“Many of us know John for his superstar presence on the ice. He played with such joy and passion, dominating at every level he played, despite the odds stacked against him because of his size.

“But we will sorely miss the way he conveyed that same joy off the ice, whether it was in the arena or at home with his family, a joy that I was so lucky to witness,” Jenner said, fighting back tears.

Each of the four players wore blue, team-issued collared jerseys with Gaudreau’s No. 13 sewn on, and took turns dedicating their words to Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

Brothers were killed late Thursday night when they were struck by a suspicious driver riding his bike on a New Jersey road, just hours before they were to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia.

Jenner became emotional as he recalled how Gaudreau and his wife Meredith supported Jenner and his wife during a “difficult time” earlier this year.

“They were like family to us.”

Jenner smiled as he talked about Gaudreau’s unique diet.

“John was truly one of a kind. One of the many things I’ll miss is seeing people’s reactions to his pre-game meal routine for the first time — a mountain of pasta with no sauce and butter (and) a Coke,” the 11-year NHL veteran said.

Erik Gudbranson, who played with Gaudreau when they were both members of the Calgary Flames, also said his former teammate was “one of a kind” and that he loved him.

“You are an amazing father. I will always remember your complaints about your back hurting after spending the night in Noa’s (Gaudreau’s daughter) crib and the pride you carried with you when you first brought Johnny (Gaudreau’s son) into his room.

“The love you shared with Meredith was a sight to behold.

“You are a true family man and you will continue to inspire me,” Gudbranson said, moved.

After dedicating the event, Gudbranson asked those in attendance and viewers on the band’s YouTube channel not to drink alcohol or drive — a reference to Sean Higgins, who has been charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide following Thursday’s incident.

“If you’re thinking about driving after a few beers or a fun night out, please, please, please don’t. Find a way home.”

Team general manager and president of hockey operations Don Waddell said he had been in contact with the families and had planned for the team to attend the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral.

The date of the ceremony has not yet been announced.

Waddell said there is still too much mourning to be able to plan how to honor Gaudreau during the team’s first home game.

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