NHL superstar and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while cycling in Salem County, N.J., on Aug. 29. The tragedy occurred just one day before the two men were to serve as groomsmen for their sister’s wedding.
Matthew Gaudreau, 29, is remembered as a loving brother and husband with a passion for hockey. He played hockey with his brother at Boston College for a year before playing five years professionally in the American Hockey League, ECHL and in Sweden. He went on to coach hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School, the brothers’ alma mater.
Johnny, 31, was expecting his third child, his wife revealed in an emotional eulogy at the joint funeral held for the two brothers.
The hockey world also mourned the loss of a talent who had made a significant impact on the sport.
Affectionately known by fans as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau was drafted in the fourth round by the Calgary Flames before beginning his collegiate career at Boston College, where he won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the NCAA’s best collegiate hockey player. Following his tenure in Chestnut Hill, he spent nine years with Calgary, where he became known for his elite playmaking abilities, quick skating and offensive instincts. Despite his relatively smaller stature, standing at just 5-foot-9 and 163 pounds, Gaudreau consistently led the team in points and was a key figure in their offense. His tenure with the Flames solidified him as one of the NHL’s most dynamic forwards, earning him multiple All-Star selections. In his last year with Calgary, he amassed 115 points, the second most in franchise history.
In 2022, Gaudreau signed a seven year, $68 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played two years for the team and was an All-Star in 2023.
The Blue Jackets released a statement following his passing.
“[Johnny] brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets,” the statement read. “He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms.”
Thousands of fans and mourners gathered in both Columbus and Calgary to pay their respects at candlelight vigils. Many wore Gaudreau jerseys, holding candles and flowers in memory of the brothers. Former teammates, coaches and friends shared heartfelt stories of Johnny’s remarkable talent and humility, as well as Matthew’s dedication to coaching and love for the sport.
The Gaudreau family, while grieving the immense loss, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received. Teams across the NHL are expected to honor Johnny and Matthew with moments of silence at the start of the season, ensuring their legacy in the hockey world endures. The tragic accident has left a deep impact on the community, both in hockey and beyond.
