'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Lanny McDonald, a Calgary Flames legend, expressed deep sadness over Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's tragic deaths. The brothers died in a New Jersey crash on Thursday night, a loss that has deeply impacted the hockey community.
McDonald shared his grief in a statement on Calgary Flames' X (formerly Twitter). He described how the news deeply affected him and his family as he said:
"There are no words that can match the tragedy of what has happened. Waking up to the news of Johnny and Matthew's passing hit my family like a ton of bricks, not only for their senseless deaths, but the gripping heartbreak for their loved ones who face the unimaginable.
"Let the hockey world rally around the Gaudreau's, their families and friends, and although we can't even start to understand the depth of their shock and pain, I hope they are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support. Go easy on those legends up there in heaven's hockey rink, boys. You're getting there earlier than expected, but they'll take good care of you. Godspeed Johnny and Matthew, Godspeed."
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," spent most of his career with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. His younger brother, Matthew, also played hockey, most recently for the Reading Royals in Pennsylvania. The brothers were in New Jersey for their sister's wedding in Philadelphia.
New Jersey State Police reported that the brothers were riding their bikes in Salem County when an SUV hit them. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently in custody.
Johnny Gaudreau remembered by Columbus Blue Jackets and family
The Columbus Blue Jackets called the incident an "unimaginable tragedy" and remembered Johnny Gaudreau as a joyful player and loving family man.
"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.
"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," the team said (via NHL.com).
Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of Johnny and Matthew, also expressed the family's deep gratitude for the overwhelming love and support they've received during this difficult time.
“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.” Jim Gaudreau said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also acknowledged Johnny Gaudreau's impact.
