R.I.P Johnny Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau, an 11 year NHL veteran left winger, was killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29th, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Gaudreau, 31, and his 29 year old brother Matthew were riding bicycles when they were hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 43 year old Sean Higgins. Higgins was attempting to pass two slower cars when he hit the Gaudreau brothers, according to police. He was also suspected of driving under the influence. He has been charged with two counts of second degree vehicular homicide. The Gaudreaus were to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding on August 30th. The wedding has been cancelled as the family grieves.

Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed Johnny Hockey, played college hockey at Boston College. The Eagles won the NCAA Championship in the 2011-12 season, Gaudreu’s freshman season. In 2014, he won the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The Calgary Flames had drafted Gaudreau back in 2011, and he joined them for the final game of the 2013-14 NHL season, scoring a goal.

Gaudreau had 64 points in 80 games in his rookie season of 2014-15. He played for the Flames through the 2021-22 season. That year, he had career highs in goals (40) and assists (75). He led the NHL in plus/minus with a whopping 64. He then surprised the hockey world by signing a seven year contract with the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets for less money than was offered by Calgary and some other suiters. He played two years in Columbus before his death.