The hockey world was stunned by the news that was confirmed on Friday morning: Johnny Gaudreau, the 31-year-old forward known as Johnny Hockey, who was born in New Jersey and who had 743 points in his already stellar career, died on Thursday.
Per a statement from the Columbus Blue Jackets, he died on Thursday night, and The Columbus Dispatch says there are reports that he was killed while biking in his native New Jersey. His brother, Matthew, also died.
That’s all the info we have as of publishing this post. The Dispatch adds that “he and Matthew Gaudreau were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding Friday in Philadelphia. Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, is listed as maid-of-honor.”
The hockey world mourned after the news broke:
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau
Aug. 13, 1993 – Aug. 29, 2024 pic.twitter.com/QGPsV4v7mv— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Heartbreaking. https://t.co/CLHh4BFYDr
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 30, 2024
🙏🏿🕊️ pic.twitter.com/zmq9Scot2I
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) August 30, 2024
Here’s commissioner Gary Bettman’s statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau.
I went to bed last night hoping this unfathomable tragedy hadn’t happened. Gutted for his family.
Johnny brought joy to hockey, with his talent and his personality. My heart goes out to his fans. pic.twitter.com/2OsTBcwdCI
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 30, 2024
Absolutely horrible, Johnny Gaudreau wasn’t just one of the best players this game has seen, he was a father, husband, son and brother. Rest in peace Johnny Hockey. Praying for you and your family ❤️🙏 https://t.co/oFrHKAYa4h pic.twitter.com/lNrw6mChSa
— Mario LeCrosGoat (@MarioLeGoat) August 30, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau’s first ever goal as a Columbus Blue Jacket. 10/14/2022
RIP Johnny Hockey 🙏
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) August 30, 2024
So many younger players – especially smaller ones – called Johnny Gaudreau their favorite player. Including many drafted just a few months ago.
He wasn't a high pick. Odds were stacked against him. But he managed to inspire so many to want to play the game.
He'll be missed.
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) August 30, 2024
— Cam Janssen (@CamJanssen25) August 30, 2024
Absolutely tragic. Lost for words.
Prayers out to the Gaudreau family 🙏 https://t.co/CAc3xRV83a— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) August 30, 2024
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