Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew pass away in New Jersey bike accident
A tragedy has struck the National Hockey League and the sports world.
According to a statement released by the Columbus Blue Jackets, All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died on Thursday night. The two hockey players were reportedly killed while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, close to their hometown in Salem County, New Jersey.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement on Friday morning, announcing the tragic death of the Gaudreau’s:
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family, and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt.
“Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He 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. 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. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.
“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
Gaudreau’s death comes three years after Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks was killed in a fireworks accident back on July 4, 2021, in Novi, Michigan.
The National Hockey League also released a statement on the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers:
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew," commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
"Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey, and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times, where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.
“He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, emerging as one of our League’s brightest young stars while compiling the franchise’s fifth-highest career points total. His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs. And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both played and where Matthew was the head hockey coach following his own five-year pro playing career.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey, and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice.”
Gaudreau was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round during the 2011 NHL Draft.
Gaudreau was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, an award given to the NHL’s top rookie. While with the Flames, he appeared in the All-Star game seven times in his career.
Following the 2021-22 season, Gaudreau left Calgary in free agency for the Columbus Blue Jackets to be closer to his wife and family. Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25-million contract with the Blue Jackets, beginning a new chapter of his professional career.
In two seasons with Columbus, Gaudreau earned a combined 134 points in 161 games.
Matt Gaudreau played another three years for Boston College between 2014 and 2017, recording 35 points in 40 games in his final campaign. In 2021-22, Matt Gaudreau began to coach, first as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Hockey Club and Philadelphia Rebels.
Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children. His wife and him were married on September 4th, 2021. Meredith gave birth to their first child, Noa Harper Gaudreau. On February 22nd of this year, the Gaudreau's had another child, a boy named Johnny Edward Gaudreau.
Johnny and Matthew are also survived by their father, Guy, their mother, Jane, and their two sisters, Kristen and Katie, the latter of whom had a wedding scheduled for Friday.
Our thoughts go out to the entire Gaudreau family in their time of mourning following this tragedy. Rest in peace, Johnny Hockey and his brother Matthew. So incredibly tragic.
