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, based on a press launch from the New Jersey State Police.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 years previous, whereas Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
In line with police experiences, a driver of an SUV hit Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau whereas making an attempt to move one other car on the proper that had moved over so as to make room for the Gaudreaus. The driving force is suspected of being inebriated 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 an announcement. “He introduced a real love for hockey with him in all places he performed from Boston School to the Calgary Flames to Staff USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled followers in a means solely Johnny Hockey might. The impression 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 known 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 an announcement. “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 particular person 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 wedding ceremony, which was scheduled to happen in Philadelphia on Friday.
Matthew Gaudreau, like Johnny, performed his collegiate hockey at Boston School, whereas additionally enjoying 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 enjoying on the collegiate stage, he received the Hobey Baker Award because the nation’s prime faculty participant. Gaudreau spent the primary 9 seasons of his skilled profession with the Flames and compiled 609 factors (210 objectives & 399 assists) throughout that point. He was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Staff in 2015, and tallied a career-best 115 factors in the course of the 2021-22 season earlier than signing with the Blue Jackets.
