Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau deaths stun Boston College, an "unimaginable loss"
BOSTON -- Former Boston College hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were both killed in a crash Thursday night in New Jersey while riding bikes, police said Friday.
Boston College "stunned"
"All of us in the Boston College community are stunned by this tragic news," BC spokesman Jack Dunn said in an email to WBZ-TV.
"Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest players in the history of Boston College hockey, but one of the nicest as well. Matthew was a gifted [player] who was equally beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with Johnny, Matthew and the entire Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss."
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and played three years at BC, from 2011 to 2014. Matthew was 29. He played for the Eagles from 2013 to 2017. They played together for just one season, 2013-14, in Chestnut Hill.
They were riding bikes together in Oldmans Township, New Jersey Thursday when they were hit by a Jeep just after 8 p.m. The driver, who was allegedly drunk, stayed at the scene and was taken into custody, police said.
Gaudreau family wedding
According to the Knot wedding website, the Gaudreaus were home for the wedding of their sister Friday. The brothers were going to be groomsmen in the ceremony.
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," family spokesperson Jim Gaudreau said on social media.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)."
Johnny Gaudreau was "Johnny Hockey"
Johnny Gaudreau was a star at BC, where he earned the nickname "Johnny Hockey." He helped Boston College win a national title in 2012 as a freshman and won two straight Hockey East Player of the Year awards. Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's best player in his junior season before going on to play 11 years in the NHL.
"Our favorite players"
The Gaudreaus were incredibly talented, but that's not how their coaches best remember them. Both were incredibly humble and amazing teammates, and left a lasting impact on anyone they shared the locker room with in Chestnut Hill.
Longtime Eagles head coach Jerry York said that while Johnny Gaudreau was one of the best players in the world, he never let that get to his head.
"To be 'Johnny Hockey' but not wear that label, he was well respected by all the students and teachers here. Ask us to name our favorite players, both boys are among them," York said at a news conference Friday afternoon.
"They brought a ton of joy to the rink. They were happy to be there, truly happy all the time," said current head coach Greg Brown, who was York's assistant when the Gaudreau brothers played for the Eagles.
"The things they could do on the ice, that's what people who don't know them remember. But everyone loved having them on the team. They were tremendous teammates and lit up the room when they came in.
"They had special abilities, but they treated every one of their teammates like a brother," added Brown.
"Loved his family"
Mike Cavanaugh, the head hockey coach at UConn, was the associate head coach at Boston College when Johnny Gaudreau won the national championship there. He told WBZ in an email he was "devastated."
"This is just unimaginable. I'm heartbroken. My prayers are with the Gaudreau family," Cavanaugh said. "I had the good fortune of coaching Johnny for two years when I was there. Never had a chance to coach Matthew, but I recruited him."
"Johnny was a unique hockey player. And it's hard to describe just how great he was. More importantly, he was just an awesome kid," Cavanaugh said "Loved his family."
Gaudreau was a seven-time All-Star after being drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut at the end of the 2014 season, and was named to the NHL's All-Rookie team the following year when he tallied 64 points for the Flames.
He played nine seasons overall in Calgary, and won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2016-17, which goes to the player who exbibits "the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 and was an All-Star last season when he scored 12 goals and had 48 assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the Blue Jackets said in a statement Friday. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."
"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets," the statement continued.
"He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy."
Calgary Flames statement
The Calgary Flames said, "It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community."
NHL statement
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Gaudreau's death Friday morning.
"The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. 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," said Bettman.
Matthew Gaudreau career
Matthew Gaudreau played wing at Boston College and scored 16 goals and had 47 assists in 119 games. He later played for Bridgeport of the AHL and the Worcester Railers of the ECHL before getting into coaching.
Gaudreau was the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School's hockey team the last two seasons. The brothers both played for the school in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
"The ECHL and its member teams mourn the loss and express their condolences to the family and friends of former Worcester Railers and Reading Royals forward Matthew Gaudreau," the league said in a statement Friday.
"The Worcester Railers HC Organization is incredibly saddened by the passing of both Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau. They represented the sport of hockey and their family at the highest level both on and off the ice," the Railers said on social media Friday.
"Matty will always be remembered as one of the original Railers who helped to guide the organization in our inaugural season. We remember his time spent in Worcester fondly. We offer our deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family."
The Boston Bruins also issued a statement, saying they were "heartbroken" by the news.
"The Gaudreaus will forever be a part of the Boston hockey community thanks to the incredible impact they made as student athletes on and off the ice at Boston College."