The hockey world is in mourning today after the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in Salem County, New Jersey.
The brothers, who were in the area to serve as groomsman at their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday, were killed Thursday night after being hit by a car while riding bicycles.
New Jersey State Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny, known as Johnny Hockey around the hockey world, and Matthew were just 31 and 29 years old.
Brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau have tragically passed away.
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 30, 2024
Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29. pic.twitter.com/FUrwqxrYTs
According to police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when Higgins, who was travelling in the same direction, tried to pass two vehicles.
On the second pass, Higgins allegedly struck Johnny and Matthew from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” said a statement from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released by the league this morning.
“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
Gaudreau was a fourth-round pick of the Calgary Flames in 2011 and entered the NHL full time at the start of the 2014-15 season following a prolific career at Boston College.
Despite his diminutive stature, Gaudreau quickly rose to the star ranks in the big leagues thanks to his speed and skill, and became a fan favourite in Calgary and across the hockey world.
In 2021-22, Gaudreau totalled career highs in goals (40), assists (75) and points (115), in what would end up being his final season wearing a Flames jersey.
He signed in Columbus that summer, making what he called “the toughest decision” he ever had to make to leave Calgary and be closer to family in the United States.
In two seasons with the Blue Jackets before his death, Gaudreau recorded 33 goals and 101 assists for 134 points in 161 games.
“Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary,” said a statement released by the Flames today.
“It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community.”
The Blue Jackets also issued a statement following Gaudreau’s death, calling him a “great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the statement added. “He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound.”
Matthew was also a hockey player, spending four years at Boston College and multiple seasons across the ECHL and AHL before retiring from the professional ranks in his 20s.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Getty Images.
