It was confirmed earlier today that Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) and his brother were sadly killed on the 29th August 2024 in a road traffic collision (RTC). Johnny was set to lace up for his third season in Columbus with the CBJ and his brother Matthew was still a free agent on the coaching scene.
Both Johnny and his brother Matthew were in Oldmans Township, New Jersey for their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding which was due to take place today (it doesn’t state anywhere whether the wedding has been cancelled or not). On Thursday 29th August the brothers decided to go for a cycle through the town where they encountered a vehicle which had moved over on the road to give them both more space before a Jeep Grand Cherokee over took this vehicle and collided with the Gaudreau brothers tragically killing them both in the process. The driver was suspected to have been driving under the influence and has been charged with two counts of death by auto and the investigation is still ongoing according to the Daily Mail.
Matthew Gaudreau was an American ice hockey player who last played for the Worcester Railers in the East Coast hockey League (ECHL) in the 20/21 season however, that was just one game but afterwards he retired to become the assistant coach at a hockey school in Philadelphia where he spent the next two seasons before moving to Gloucester Catholic High as their head coach. Matthew is a two time NCAA (Hockey East) Champion.
Johnny Gaudreau was drafted to the NHL 2011 going 104th overall in the 4th round to the Calgary Flames where he spend a decade playing with them after signing his entry level contract in 2013, he would go onto score 609 points with his highest points being in the 2020/21 season where he had 115 points his highest ever. He would then make the move over to the CBJ for the following two seasons totalling 134 points which cements him as one of the top players in the NHL right up there with players like Phil Kessel. During the 2018/19 season Johnny Gaudreau became a part franchise owner of the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Johnny won the Calder Trophy in his rookie year and has won many more things along the way, he also won a lot in the NCAA and other leagues.
The passing of these players is tragic and our thoughts and prayers go out to their family. In this time of mourning we ask everyone to come together to remember the greatness these players showed us night in night out. They will always be remembered.
Author: Calan Yule
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