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NHL’s Johnny Gaudreau Dies at 31; Brother Matthew Gaudreau Dies at 29 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Vaseline August 30, 2024

COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 1: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes a break during a stoppage of play against the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena on April 1, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Jason Mowry/Getty Images

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died Thursday.

The Blue Jackets confirmed the deaths of both men in a statement released Friday morning.

Columbus Blue Jackets @BlueJacketsNHL

Statement from Columbus Blue Jackets regarding the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. photo.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs

Gaudreau’s family also released a statement (courtesy of WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche):

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. proposition“Johnny’s infectious playing inspiration and impressive skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ but he was more than just a great 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.”

According to ABC 6 in Philadelphia, New Jersey state troopers confirmed that Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed when they were struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles around 8:30 p.m. local time Thursday night.

According to ABC, police said the driver of the vehicle was “believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.”

According to ESPN, “both brothers, who are originally from New Jersey, were in the area to act as groomsmen for their sister Katie’s wedding, which was set to take place Friday in Philadelphia.”

Johnny Gaudreau played college hockey at Boston College from 2011-14. He helped the Eagles win the national championship during the 2011-12 season and was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top male player for the 2013-14 season.

The Calgary Flames originally selected Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft. He signed his entry-level contract with the club on the same day as the ceremony where he won the Hobey Baker Award.

Calgary Flames @NHLFlames

It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and will always be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. photo.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh

Gaudreau made his NHL debut with the Flames on the final day of the 2013–14 regular season. He became a full-time player in 2014–15 and earned a spot on the All-Rookie team in his first full season.

TJ Oshie @TJOshie77

Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad.

After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Flames, Gaudreau signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets as a free agent. He has appeared in 161 games over the past two seasons with Columbus.

Gaudreau has played in 763 total games in 11 NHL seasons, scoring 743 points, with a career-high 115 during the 2021-22 campaign.

Matthew Gaudreau was a professional hockey player in the ECHL. He last played for the Worcester Railers during the 2021-22 season. He also played one season for the Reading Royals.