The Florida Panthers are joining the rest of the NHL in mourning the death of the player known as “Johnny Hockey.”
Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling near their New Jersey home around 8:30 p.m. on August 29, according to New Jersey State Police.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, was charged with two counts of death by auto.
Higgins told police he had consumed five or six beers before the accident on a county highway, according to a probable cause statement. The charges against Higgins are only accusations, as he has not been convicted in the case.
Apr 16, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The Florida Panthers were among those in the hockey community at large responding to the tragedy on Friday.
In a statement on their web site, the Panthers said: The Florida Panthers join the entire hockey community today in heartbreak and sadness following the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. We express our sincere condolences to their family and friends, the hockey communities of Boston College, USA Hockey, the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets as well as the many lives they both impacted and changed. This devastation is felt around the world today and we mourn with you.”
Johnny Gaudreau, better known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a 31-year-old married father of two and Carneys Point, N.J., resident. His 29-year-old brother lived in Pedricktown.
The winger was a fourth-round pick of the Flames in the NHL’s 2011 draft. He played nine seasons with Calgary before signing with the Blue Jackets in 2022. A seven-time NHL All Star, Gaudreau played 763 games as a pro, scoring 243 goals and making 500 assists, according to the league’s website.
Both of the NHL teams posted memorials to Gaudreau at their websites Friday.
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also issued a statement: “The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau, brother dead after bicycle-car crash
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Publish date : 2024-08-30 07:13:00
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