ST PAUL, Minn. — The hockey community is shaken following the sudden death of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau.
The 31-year-old winger was killed Thursday while cycling with his brother, Matthew, in Oldmans Township in New Jersey. According to New Jersey state police, the two were riding bicycles when a driver in a Jeep Grand Cherokee struck them while attempting to pass two vehicles.
Organizations across the world, including the Minnesota Wild, have released statements or paid tribute to the player nicknamed "Johnny Hockey."
"The Minnesota Wild organizations join the hockey world in sending our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Gaudreau family, Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, USA Hockey and hockey fans around the world impacted by this tragic and heartbreaking news," the Wild posted on social media. "Rest in peace Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau."
Gaudreau was a six-time NHL All-Star after being drafted 104th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2011. The selection came shortly after Gaudreau was playing just down Highway 52 in Dubuque, Iowa where he helped lead the Fighting Saints of USHL to a Clark Cup. During that season, Gaudreau scored 41 goals, including one in the Clark Cup Finals against the Green Bay Gamblers.
"The Dubuque Fighting Saints organization is devastated and tremendously saddened by the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew," the Fighting Saints posted on social media. "During his time in Dubuque, Johnny impacted the Fighting Saint community tremendously. He electrified the fans with a level of skill and creativity never before seen in Dubuque."
Gaudreau went on to play at Boston College, where he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 and then joined the Flames. He spent eight years in Calgary before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. He's fifth on the Flames' all-time points list, and fifth in career assists.
"It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice but also a beloved member of our community," the Flames posted on social media. "The pain we feel for Johnny’s wife Meridith, children Noa & Johnny, parents Jane & Guy, sisters Kristen & Katie, and the entire Gaudreau family is immense. Ownership, management, players, and staff of the Flames express our heartfelt sympathies during their time of sorrow."
Johnny and Matthew grew up in New Jersey and were in the area Thursday for their sister Katie's wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. The driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and is charged with two counts of death by auto.
