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NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, tragically died in a bicycle accident in New Jersey. The accident occurred on Thursday night in Oldmans Township, near their hometown of Salem County. The brothers were in town to serve as groomsmen at their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for the following day.
According to New Jersey state troopers, the Gaudreau brothers were struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes around 8:30 p.m. local time. The driver of the vehicle is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," was a beloved figure in the NHL. He played college hockey at Boston College, where he helped the Eagles win the national championship during the 2011-12 season and was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's player for the 2013-2014 season.
Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft and made his NHL debut in the 2013-14 season. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Flames before signing a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his condolences, stating, "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."
Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny's younger brother, was also a professional hockey player. He played in the ECHL, most recently for the Worcester Railers during the 2021-22 season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a heartfelt statement, saying, "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."
The statement continued, "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."
In this time of grief, the Gaudreau family has requested privacy as they navigate this loss. The Blue Jackets' statement concluded with a poignant message: "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."
