Sean Higgins — the man accused of killing an NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his little brother, Matthew — appeared in a New Jersey courtroom for the first time on Friday … and he appeared angry after learning he would have to spend his upcoming long holiday weekend in jail.

The 43-year-old appeared in court virtually … after being charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter after allegedly driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the back of the Gaudreaus while they were riding bikes on a back road in Oldmans Township on Thursday night.

Higgins wore an anti-suicide smock and initially did not speak much during the hearing. But when he was told he would remain in custody until at least next Thursday, he appeared dejected.

He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes… and took a deep breath.

The judge told Higgins he must remain in custody until the end of next week … because prosecutors have filed a motion for pre-trial detention.

“The statutes and the rules of court require that I hold you for a minimum of 72 hours for your hearing,” the judge told him. “Since we have a weekend and a day off on Monday, 72 hours becomes Thursday.”

Higgins was seen on camera shaking his head to indicate he understood.

During the hearing, Higgins also announced that he plans to hire a private attorney to represent him in the case, and was then given instructions on how to best handle that process from a cell.

He was eventually released from the proceedings after he informed the judge that he had no further questions.

As we reported, officers say Higgins admitted that he had been drinking “5-6 beers” before the accident happened.

Johnny and Matthew were in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday but was canceled due to the tragedy.

Johnny was 31 years old. Matthew was only 29.