Tributes to NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother were broadcast live on Friday as the star player’s death rocked the hockey community.

Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed Thursday night when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey, police said Friday.

Johnny is survived by two young children and his wife Meredith.

The NHL released a statement from commissioner Gary Bettman, who said Gaudreau “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.”

WATCH | NHL mourns death of star player:

NHL reels after forward Johnny Gaudreau, brother die while biking in New Jersey

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his younger brother Matthew were killed Thursday night when they were struck by a car while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.

“Johnny Hockey,” as he was known, played 11 professional seasons in the league and was entering his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets mourned his loss in a statement on X.

He played his first nine seasons with the Calgary Flames, a period during which he emerged as one of the best players in the game and a fan favorite across North America.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau,” the Flames said in a post on social media platform X. “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and will always be a member of the Flames family and loved by everyone in Calgary.”

“Totally devastated. The world just lost one of its best,” Flames forward Blake Coleman posted on the social media site X. “RIP Johnny.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote in a message on X: “Johnny Gaudreau may be from the United States, but hockey fans in Calgary and across Canada will remember him as one of our own.”

“I’m thinking of his teammates, friends and the Gaudreau family today.”

Several other NHL teams also expressed their sadness.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.”

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations and everyone who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving released a statement saying, “I am utterly devastated by the news of the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. John was a truly special player who shone on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice.”

“It’s not easy to find the right words today,” Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson said in a message on X.

“You were a great hockey player, but Johnny is the person who will always stay with me. He is one of my best friends. It didn’t matter if we didn’t speak for a day or a week, we always knew where we stood!”

Marty Walsh, executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association, called Johnny “a joy to watch during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL.”

Walsh noted Johnny’s hockey career at Boston College, where he and Matthew both played. He said Matthew later played professional hockey in the AHL and ECHL.

“The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by this terrible loss. We extend our sincere condolences to the entire Gaudreau family — Johnny’s wife, Meredith, and their children, Noa and Johnny; Matthew’s wife, Madeline; their parents, Guy and Jane; and their sisters, Kristen and Katie.”

A memorial was set up outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus, where fans left bouquets and photos.