Today in news the hockey world is in mourning as Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have passed away. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was an NHL veteran of 11 years, and was most recently a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnny’s brother, Matthew, was most recently a member of the Worcester Railers of the ECHL. Both men were involved in a tragic accident on Thursday evening. All we can think at this time is to share the sentiment expressed from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization reporting of this event. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family, especially his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, and the rest of the family and hockey community.
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
In Tragic News Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Have Passed Away
Johnny Gaudreau truly was an inspiration for many young hockey fans. He was originally from the Salem area of the state of New Jersey. ‘Johnny Hockey’ as his nickname would become, went on to play at Boston College. In addition, he was drafted to the NHL in the fourth round by the Calgary Flames in 2011. He would make his debut for Calgary in April 2014 and go on to play eight full seasons in Southern Alberta. The past two seasons, he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnny would answer the bell for Team USA when they would come calling, including winning the 2013 Men’s World Junior Hockey Championships.
Matthew (Matt) Gaudreau was also a great hockey player, similarly statured and skilled like his older brother. Johnny and Matt were teammates at Boston College, as Johnny’s junior season was Matt’s freshman campaign. Furthermore, Matt would go on to play professionally in both the ECHL and AHL, as well as a short stint in Sweden.
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
We Are Thinking of You Johnny Hockey
The Gaudreau’s were both huge role models to kids in their community and around North America. Whether it was young American hockey players idolizing to be like the small, shifty Johnny from New Jersey, or the Southern Alberta market watching a fourth-round pick become an NHL superstar. The Gaudreau’s provided us with amazement and awe when they would hit the ice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL, the entire hockey community, and especially the Gaudreau family at this time.
Main photo: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
