OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, N.J. — NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were tragically killed while riding bikes on a rural road in New Jersey Thursday night, according to authorities. Investigators report that Johnny and Matthew were cycling on Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township around 8:30 p.m. when they were struck by a passing car.
OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, N.J. — NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were tragically killed while riding bikes on a rural New Jersey road Thursday night. Authorities confirm that the driver involved did remain at the scene.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, had a distinguished 11-season NHL career, spending nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and the past two with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets issued a statement on X, describing the Gaudreaus' deaths as an "unimaginable tragedy."
"Johnny was not only a great hockey player but also a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," the statement read. "He played the game with great joy, which was evident to everyone who saw him on the ice."
Nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," the former Boston College standout hailed from Salem, New Jersey, and attended Gloucester Catholic High School. His younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, played alongside Johnny at both Boston College and Gloucester Catholic. Matthew also played for the Worcester Railers during the 2021-2022 season and previously for the Reading Royals.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted that Johnny Gaudreau often shared how his father taught him to skate as a child in New Jersey, a passion he carried throughout his NHL career. Their father, Guy Gaudreau, was a hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic for over a decade.