Hockey World Mourns Deaths Of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

There are no words that can properly put any of this into context. News broke early this morning that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed when they were struck by a car riding their bikes in New Jersey. Johnny was 31, Matthew 29.

But it goes beyond that as the family was together for their sister’s wedding–scheduled for today. It’s a tragedy at levels that the human brain can hardly comprehend. The staff of Chicago Hockey Now expresses their condolensces and thoughts with prayers are with the entire Gaudreau family. The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement, extolling the virtues of the man known as “Johnny Hockey” in the hockey world. From the statement:

“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.”

Reports indicate that both men were riding their bikes on a road when a driver went around two cars and struck both Gaudreau brothers. The driver allegedly was under the influence of alcohol and was jailed after charges were filed.

The news sent shockwaves through not only the hockey world, but the general news as well. The incomprehensible loss of fathers, brothers, sons, and friends on the eve of what was supposed to be a joyous occasion adds another layer of shock and grief.

Johnny Gaudreau Finding His Form In Columbus

After signing with the Jackets two offeseasons ago, Gaudreau had 60 points in 81 games during the 2023-24 season. In his first season with Columbus, he tallied 21 goals along with 53 assists after his breakout 115 point season with Calgary in 2021-22. While the Jackets were in the midst of a rebuild, Gaudreau was expected to be a main piece to help push them over as the team readied for a jump in 2024-25.

But the news halts the hockey talk, the human side being forefront in everyone’s mind right now. There are no words, absolutely nothing else that can even begin to convey or understand what had happened.

So the hockey world mourns–and will for some time as two lives were taken far too soon.