*Photo from ESPN*
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew passed away Thursday night in their home state of New Jersey. The Blue Jackets confirmed the news Friday morning.
Johnny Gaudreau had turned 31 years old earlier in August, while Matthew is 29 years old. The brothers were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey Thursday night when they were struck by a vehicle that was attempting to pass two other vehicles. The driver was arrested and, according to police, was suspected of being under the influence.
The driver was charged with two counts of death by auto on the scene by police. The Gaudreau brothers were going to be groomsmen in the wedding of their sister Friday night. Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind a wife and two children.
The Blue Jackets said in a statement "The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."
"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him."
"Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."
Johnny was coming off his 11th season in the NHL and second with the Blue Jackets. He had 12 goals and 48 assists for 60 points last season, his second in a 7 year contract with Columbus. He won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2017 as the most gentlemanly player in the league.
Matthew had never made the NHL in his hockey career but had a 4 year stint at Boston College and played in the ECHL and AHL. He was the head coach of the hockey program at Gloucester Catholic High School. Matthew leaves behind his wife Madeline.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement "The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. 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."
"We send our most heart-felt condolences to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice."
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