The NHL community continues to share condolences and supportive messages after the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Police said Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in Salem County, N.J., on Thursday — a day before the brothers were set to serve as groomsman in their sister, Katie’s wedding.
Johnny’s former teammate and Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman said he was gutted over the news.
“The world just lost one of the best. RIP Johnny,” Coleman wrote, including a photo of his daughter sitting with Johnny in the Flames’ locker room.
“Can’t believe you’re gone,” Coleman added on his Instagram Story with a broken heart emoji.
Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie wrote on X, “Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad.”
The Flames, who drafted Johnny in 2011, and the Blue Jackets shared statements and sent condolences to Johnny’s wife, Meredith, and their two children, Noa, 1, and Johnny Jr., six months.
“It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau,” the Flames wrote on X. “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.
“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, a seven-time NHL All-Star, played with Calgary for nine seasons before he signed a seven-year, deal with the Blue Jackets in July 2022.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described Johnny as a “dazzling hockey player” with an “infectious spirit” for the game and “show-stopping skills,” in a separate statement.
Former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen, who signed Gaudreau to a 7-year, $69 million deal in 2022, called news of his ex-player’s death “devastating.”
“I am deeply saddened by the news I received late last night,” he wrote on X. “R.I.P. Johnny and Matthew, fine young men with beautiful family that seemed so close…gone way too soon. My condolences to the Gaudreau family and strength in their sorrow. This is devastating.”
Teams around the league including the Rangers, Devils and the Red Wings shared their condolences in statements online.
Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, N.J., was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol in a Jeep Grand Cherokee north on County Route 551 at 8:19 p.m. ET when he attempted to pass two vehicles and hit the Gaudreau brothers, according to investigators.
Higgins was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
The brothers were in their hometown for their sister’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, N.J., on Friday.
