The tragic death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau in New Jersey last Thursday night was a heartbreaking event for the NHL.

For the Blue Jackets, it was the second such freak accident in just a few years, only adding to the devastation.

Three summers ago, Matiss Kivlenieks, a 24-year-old goalkeeper for the organization, died of chest trauma in an accident at the home of then-goalkeeping coach Manny Legace in Novi, Michigan.

According to police, the trauma was caused by a stray firework mortar shell explosion.

In what was later ruled an accidental death, police said the firework tilted slightly and went off at people nearby. Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and was trying to get out of the way when he was hit.

Kivlenieks, a Latvian native, played for his country at the World Cup that spring and was seen as a potential second goalie for the Blue Jackets in the 2021-22 season.

Like Gaudreau, Kivlenieks’ death was related to a wedding; Legace was hosting a reception in his backyard when the tragedy occurred.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were in Oldmans Township, NJ (their hometown) for their sister Katie’s wedding, where they were to be groomsmen.

Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and Matthew Gaudreau was 29.

They were cycling together when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver, Sean Higgins, who was attempting to pass a vehicle on County Road 551.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their families and friends, on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by all who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.

“He brought joy to fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was immense, 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 will do everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”