Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver late Thursday night while riding bikes together in rural Oldmans Township, NJ, per New Jersey police. The brothers were in town and were expected to be the groomsmen for their sister’s wedding, which was expected to take place on Friday. Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29 years old.
The team confirmed the news with this statement early Friday morning:
Gaudreau coined the name “Johnny Hockey” while playing hockey at Boston College where he helped secure a National Championship in 2012. He spent 11 seasons in the NHL –– nine with the Calgary Flames and two with the Blue Jackets and was expected to be with them all the way through the 2028 season after signing a seven-year, $68 million contract in 2022. He made the NHL All-Star team in 2023 and was still providing ample support for a struggling Columbus squad, posting 12 goals and 48 assists across 81 games last season.
The 31-year-old will finish his hockey career with 763 games played, 243 goals and 500 assists.
This unfortunately isn’t Columbus’ first time dealing with the tragic news of one of its players losing their life early, either. In July 2021, goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks tragically lost his life in a fireworks accident at just 24 years old. Now, just over three years later –– the city and entire league must mourn the passing of another team and community member.
RIP Johnny Hockey.
