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They called him « Johnny Hockey » in Columbus. Johnny Gaudreau, the Blue Jackets left-winger, was a solid professional with 11 years of experience.
Gaudreau and his brother Mathew were riding their bikes on a country road in Oldsman Township, N.J., outside of Philadelphia when the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, passing another vehicle, slammed into the brothers, killing them. They were visiting their family the night before their sister Katie was to be married.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “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 cross his path.”
He was a fan favorite in both Columbus, his team since 2022, and Calgary, where he spent the bulk of his career.
