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Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny Gaudreau's brother, didn't play in the NHL but had a solid career in minor league hockey. Matthew played four years at Boston College, including one season with Johnny. After college, he played five seasons in the ECHL and AHL before retirning after the 2021-22 season.
Following retirement, Matthew became a coach. He was the coach at Gloucester Catholic High School, where he and Johnny once played. Matthew, though, breathed his last at 29, leaving behind a legacy as both a player and a coach.
Matthew Gaudreau's hockey career in detail
Matthew Gaudreau was born on Dec. 5, 1994, in Carneys Point Township, NJ. He played as a right and left winger. Matt was five-foot-nine and weighed 137 lbs. He played youth hockey with the Philadelphia Little Flyers and Team Comcast.
In college, Matt played four seasons at Boston College. His best season was his last, registering 35 points in 40 games. He later played in the AHL with Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Stockton Heat and in the ECHL with Worcester Railers and Reading Royals. Matt also briefly played in Sweden for Tyringe SoSS.
After his retirement from hockey, Matthew Gaudreau was appointed as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Hockey Club and Philadelphia Rebels. Matt later became the head coach at Gloucester Catholic High School, where he had played as a student.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's tragic death in an accident
Johnny Gaudreau, a Columbus Blue Jackets player, and his brother Matthew died in a biking accident on August 29.
The accident occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while they were home for their sister's wedding. Johnny, 31, and Matthew were hit by a car driven by a man suspected of being under the influence. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. The investigation is ongoing.
The Gaudreau family is devastated by the loss. Their uncle, Jim Gaudreau, expressed the family's grief and asked for privacy.
"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," Uncle, Jim Gaudreau's statement read.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement mourning Johnny's death. They praised him for being a great hockey player and a loving husband, father and friend. The team shared how much Johnny was loved by fans and his impact on the sport and the community.
