2 weeks Ago
Johnny Gaudreau, a forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has died at the age of 31, the NHL says in a statement. The league also announced the death of Gaudreau's brother, Matthew, in the same statement. WPVI reports the brothers were struck by a vehicle while riding bikes in Salem, New Jersey.
"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," the statement went on to say. Johnny Gaudreau spent his first nine NHL seasons with the Calgary flames. The brothers attended Boston College and were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award during the 2013-14 season.
Matthew Gaudreau was a hockey player with the minor league Reading Royals. “We send our most heartfelt condolences to [Johnny's] wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie," the NHL said. "And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice.
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