Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed on Thursday night after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey.
“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,” read a statement from the NHL.
Driver who killed Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew in custody
New Jersey State Police reported that Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were cycling on County Route 551 in Salem County around 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday when a Jeep Grand Cherokee struck them. Both brothers died from their injuries. The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drunk driving and faces two counts of death by auto. He remains in custody.
The two brothers were in New Jersey for their sister’s wedding, which was to take place Friday.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” played nine seasons for the Calgary Flames before moving to Columbus. He won the 2014 Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA player and, during his first full NHL season, made the NHL All-Rookie team and the 2015 All-Star Game. Johnny was a Calder Trophy finalist for best rookie and earned the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship in 2016–17. In 2022, Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, playing there for two seasons.
In a post on X, his team mourned the loss of the brothers. “Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” read the post. “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 Gaudreau was 31 years old, and his younger brother, Matthew, was 29.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…