Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed on Thursday night while bicycling in New Jersey, police said on Friday.
Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died after being struck by a vehicle in Oldmans Township, about 80km from Trenton.
The 43-year-old driver of the car that hit the brothers was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, police said.
Photo: AP
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he was shocked and saddened by the death of Gaudreau, whose “infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname Johnny Hockey.”
Gaudreau, who represented Team USA in world championships, played his first nine seasons for the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022.
The Gaudreau brothers had returned to their New Jersey home for the wedding of one of their sisters on Friday, local media reported.
“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 club said in a statement.
“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.” it said. “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.”
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