Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died on Thursday night time after they have been struck by a automobile in a biking accident, in response to a press launch from the New Jersey State Police.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 years outdated, whereas Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
In accordance with police studies, a driver of an SUV hit Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau whereas trying to go one other automobile on the best that had moved over so as to make room for the Gaudreaus. The driving force is suspected of being drunk on the time of the accident, and has been charged with two counts of loss of life by auto.
The accident occurred at 8:19 p.m. in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, and the Gaudreaus suffered deadly accidents on the scene.
“Johnny performed the sport with nice pleasure which was felt by everybody that noticed him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets wrote in a press release. “He introduced a real love for hockey with him all over the place he performed from Boston School to the Calgary Flames to Group USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled followers in a approach solely Johnny Hockey may. The affect he had on our group and our sport was profound, however pales compared to the indelible impression he made on everybody who knew him.”
The Blue Jackets additionally referred to as the Gaudreaus’ deaths an “unimaginable tragedy.”
“The Nationwide Hockey League household is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned in a press release. “Whereas Johnny’s infectious spirit for the sport and show-stopping abilities on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was greater than only a dazzling hockey participant; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to each individual lucky sufficient to have crossed his path.”
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who’re each initially from South Jersey, have been on the town to be groomsmen of their sister’s marriage ceremony, which was scheduled to happen in Philadelphia on Friday.
Matthew Gaudreau, like Johnny, performed his collegiate hockey at Boston School, whereas additionally taking part in for a number of AHL and ECHL groups.
Johnny Gaudreau was initially a fourth-round choose of the Calgary Flames in 2011 after a standout profession at Boston School. Whereas taking part in on the collegiate stage, he received the Hobey Baker Award because the nation’s high faculty participant. Gaudreau spent the primary 9 seasons of his skilled profession with the Flames and compiled 609 factors (210 targets & 399 assists) throughout that point. He was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Group in 2015, and tallied a career-best 115 factors through the 2021-22 season earlier than signing with the Blue Jackets.
