NHL standout Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, both of whom grew up in New Jersey and played on the Boston College hockey team, died on Thursday, according to statements released by the NHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Reports from New Jersey and Philadelphia-area media said the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles when they were struck by a vehicle in Oldmans Township, NJ, on Thursday night. The league and team statements did not specify a cause of death or circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Fox 29 in Philadelphia
reported the accident happened at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Another area television station, ABC 6,
reported that the driver of the car remained at the scene.
“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,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement released by the league on Friday morning.
Matthew, a 2017 BC graduate, was 29. Also a forward he played four seasons of minor pro hockey, including parts of three seasons with the ECHL Worcester Railers.
“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 Matt,” the Blue Jackets said in a statement released Friday.
“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.”
. The hockey community will rally to support them, but this level of loss is hard to overcome.
www.dispatch.com
