Gary Bettman makes a statement on the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
Photo credit: Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed on Thursday when a car with a drunk driver behind the wheelstruck them while they were riding their bikes on the eve of their sister's wedding. Johnny was 31, and Matthew 29.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released the following statement in response to the tragedy.
The entire NHL family is heartbroken by the loss of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Johnny, known for his dynamic play and the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,' was much more than an incredible player. He was a devoted father, loving husband, and a cherished friend and teammate, touching everyone he met with his warmth and enthusiasm.
Johnny often shared how his father taught him to skate in New Jersey, and he carried that same passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. His skill on the ice made him a seven-time NHL All-Star, and he was always a fan favorite, especially in the skills competitions where he truly shined.
He'll be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he spent his first nine seasons with the Flames, becoming one of the team's brightest stars and ranking fifth in career points. His impact was also significant in Columbus, where he was a respected leader and where he settled his family. The loss is also deeply felt at Boston College, where Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both brothers played and Matthew later coached.
Our deepest condolences go out to Johnny's wife Meredith, their children Noa and Johnny, his parents Guy and Jane, and his sisters Kristen and Katie. We mourn alongside his teammates, the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey, and the countless fans who cherished his contributions both on and off the ice.
Johnny often shared how his father taught him to skate in New Jersey, and he carried that same passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. His skill on the ice made him a seven-time NHL All-Star, and he was always a fan favorite, especially in the skills competitions where he truly shined.
He'll be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he spent his first nine seasons with the Flames, becoming one of the team's brightest stars and ranking fifth in career points. His impact was also significant in Columbus, where he was a respected leader and where he settled his family. The loss is also deeply felt at Boston College, where Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both brothers played and Matthew later coached.
Our deepest condolences go out to Johnny's wife Meredith, their children Noa and Johnny, his parents Guy and Jane, and his sisters Kristen and Katie. We mourn alongside his teammates, the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey, and the countless fans who cherished his contributions both on and off the ice.
Johnny and Matthew will be missed dearly by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and watching them. We as a hockey community send our condolences.
| POLL | ||
30 AOUT | 159 ANSWERS Gary Bettman makes a statement on the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau How Do You View Gary Bettman's Statement on Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau? | ||
| It was a fitting tribute to Johnny | 79 | 49.7 % |
| Should've mentioned Matthew more | 80 | 50.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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