Oldsman Township, N.J. – Brothers Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, lost their lives in a tragic accident on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 29, while riding their bicycles.
Sean Higgins was following two cars and attempted to pass them. Higgins then moved into the southbound lane to pass the first car. When Higgins moved back into the northbound lane, the other car in front of him safely veered to the left to avoid the Gaudreau brothers and give them room on the road. However, Higgins then decided to pass the car on the inside and struck the brothers, killing both. Higgins was questioned by police and admitted he was under the influence. He failed a field sobriety test and was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Higgins, an artillery officer with the U.S. Army, is currently being held in a correctional facility awaiting trial. Johnny left his wife, Meredith, behind and their two children, Noa and Johnny Jr. The youngest Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Madeline, who is expecting their first child.
The tragedy is compounded by the fact that the brothers were in town for their sister’s wedding the next day. Both Johnny and Matthew left behind grieving families, including young children and expectant wives. The hockey community worldwide is mourning the loss of the two brothers who contributed greatly to the world both on and off the ice.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau attended Boston College before entering the National Hockey League (NHL). While at Boston College, Johnny Gaudreau received the nickname “Johnny Hockey.” The brothers were a few years apart but were able to play one season together on the Boston College Hockey Team. During the 2013 season, Johnny Gaudreau was awarded the Hobey Baker Award. In his junior year. The Hobby Baker Award is an annual award given to the Top Collegiate National hockey player during that season. The Hobby Baker Award is named after Hall of Famer named Hobby Baker who played hockey at Princton and died during World War 1. He played 40 games, totaling 80 points with 36 goals and 44 assists. At Boston College, he had a streak of 31 games where he scored a point in each. He was also named Hockey East Player of the Year. Matthew Gaudreau played for two years at Boston College, totaling 56 points over 79 games with 12 goals and 44 assists. He was drafted in the United States Hockey League (USHL) draft by the Omaha Lancers in 2012.
In 2014, Johnny Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames. While at Calgary, he totaled 609 points. His best season came in 2021 when he had 115 points, scoring 40 goals and 75 assists. He also had 99 points in 2018 and 84 in 2017. In 2016, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL player who shows great sportsmanship both on and off the ice. He was an eight-time all-star and made the NHL First All-Star Team in 2022. In 2022, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 33 goals and 101 assists over his career. In his 11 years in the NHL, he scored 243 goals and 500 assists.
In remembrance of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, thousands of fans gathered outside the Blue Jackets arena, lighting candles for 13 minutes and 21 seconds, representing their jersey numbers. Fans left hockey sticks, pucks, flowers, and other mementos to honor the brothers. The hockey community united in support, transcending team rivalries to mourn and celebrate the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
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