Johnny Gaudreau, seen here skating during warm-ups for last year’s NHL All-Star Game.

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The brothers were on a bike ride together near their family home in New Jersey, just one day before they were to act as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding. But a terrible accident has left the family of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau in tragedy.

Gaudreau, a popular player nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” for his ethereal skills on the ice, and his younger brother Matthew were struck and killed by an SUV driven by a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Gaudreau, 31, was a forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He previously played for the Calgary Flames after starring at Boston College. He and Matthew were gathered in New Jersey with family to prepare for their sister Katie’s wedding, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30.

“He made fans happy in a way that only Johnny Hockey can,” the Blue Jackets said Friday. But more important than Gaudreau’s extraordinary talent, the organization said, was his role as a loving father, son and husband.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

According to police, the driver tried to overtake a car on the right

According to New Jersey State Police, shortly after 8 p.m., the two brothers were riding bicycles on County Route 551 North, a country road in Salem County, N.J., when they were struck from behind by a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep was driven by Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, N.J. Higgins was attempting to pass two slower-moving vehicles traveling north on the highway when the trio of cars encountered the Gaudreau brothers, who were driving “close to the fog line of the road,” police said. (The “fog line” of a road is the white lane marking on the right side.)

Higgins had just passed a sedan when an SUV that was directly behind the cyclists pulled into the center of the road to give them room, police said. The agency added: “Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two cyclists from behind.”

The collision claimed the lives of the two brothers. State troopers who responded to the scene suspected that Higgins was under the influence. The driver was charged with two counts of homicide by auto; he was arrested and booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Matthew R. Gaudreau was 29 years old and lived in Pedricktown, NJ, police said.

Hockey mourns loss of beloved veteran

In a story that has since become legend, Gaudreau learned to skate by “following a trail of Skittles candy across the ice at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, New Jersey, the rink where his father, Guy, worked as a hockey director,” according to the NHL.

“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms,” the Columbus Blue Jackets said. said“We will miss him terribly and are doing everything we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”

Gaudreau was a fourth-round pick by the Flames, but when he got a chance in the NHL, he didn’t miss. The forward scored in his first NHL game and skated his way to the league’s rookie-of-the-year honors. He went on to appear in seven All-Star games and play for Team USA in international competition.

Following the tragedy, fans posted photos of Gaudreau, including a video of him at 8 years old showing off his incredible talents.

“While Johnny’s infectious play spirit and impressive on-ice skills earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a devoted father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.