NHL Hockey Player Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed Biking in NJ

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother died while biking in New Jersey on Thursday.

Gaudreau, 31, was a forward on the Columbus Blue Jackets. His NHL career started in 2011 when he was drafted to the Calgary Flames. He was often called “Johnny Hockey.”

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were killed while biking in Oldmans Township, The Columbus Dispatch reported. The brothers grew up in rural Salem County.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement posted to X. “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 Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice.”

Johnny Gaudreau and his wife have two young children, daughter Noa and son Johnny, who were born in Columbus.

The NHL star was one of the top scorers for the Flames, earning him multiple All-Star selections.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL 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.”

He signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022.

“He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could,” the Blue Jackets said. “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 whe 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.”

Johnny Gaudreau and his brothers were expected to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding, according to the Dispatch.

Tributes are beginning to pour in from other NHL teams as well.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew,” the Maple Leafs said on X. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations, and all those who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Johnny Gaudreau was expected to play left wing this year under direction of the team’s new coach, Dean Evason.

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