(By Josh Hall/rdnewsNOW)
Hockey fans are waking up to the unimaginable news that superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have tragically died.
A report from WPVI (ABC 6) appears to confirm the brothers were cyclists when they were struck and killed by another vehicle Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey. The report also notes that the driver was allegedly impaired by alcohol, according to police investigation.
Reaction from the hockey world has begun to pour in, including from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
“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,” says Bettman.
“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
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
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives ended way too soon. Words cannot appropriately express the sorrow the hockey community is feeling today. pic.twitter.com/RvT1gPvbZd
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 30, 2024
Gaudreau spent nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22. There, he put up the fifth-highest career points total in Flames history, according to the NHL.
Over his career, he played 763 games, and posted 243 goals with 500 assists for 743 points, mostly with the Calgary Flames.
Matthew was also a talented hockey player, most recently playing in the 2021-22 season for the ECHL’S Worcester Railers.
Matthew also played in the AHL most recently for the Stockton Heat in 2019-20.
More recently, Matthew was head coach for two seasons at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, the brothers’ home state.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31. Matthew was 29.
The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 30, 2024
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames…
We join the entire hockey community in mourning the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) August 30, 2024
Sending our love and deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family, their friends, and the entire @BlueJacketsNHL Organization. ❤️ https://t.co/3ApozoN1hq
The entire New York Rangers organization is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. We send our deepest condolences to Johnny and Matthew’s family, friends, and loved ones. https://t.co/zWD2c6oBaH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 30, 2024
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