NHL star Johnny Gaudreau31, and his Matthew-his brother, 29, died in a horrific accident Thursday night local time in Salem County, New Jersey.
The information was confirmed North American time on Friday morning. During Friday, North America’s best-known sports and especially hockey media were filled with moving memories and condolences.
Tears were shed in Calgary
TSN reporter Salim Valji was there at the Calgary Flames’ home arena, the Saddledome.
– It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, Valji described the atmosphere on TSN’s video.
The whole district was “surreal” at that moment, he felt. Johnny Gaudreau played in Calgary from 2014 to 2022.
The video shows how people bring flowers and souvenirs in front of the arena. Most are wearing Gaudreau’s jersey. People were in tears.
– Johnny was not just any player here. He was an American player who fully embraced the Calgary spirit. And not only him, but his parents and his sister loved Calgary. Even though he left for Columbus, many in Calgary considered him their own.
Gaudreau played in Columbus the last two seasons of his career when Jarmo Kekäläinen was able to acquire a star striker for the Blue Jackets with a giant contract in the summer of 2022.
– When you come to a single game at the Saddledome, you see the most Jarome Iginlan and Johnny Gaudreau shirts.
Many journalists, experts and puck managers emphasize in the media that “Johnny Hockey” was so apt as a nickname. Johnny Gaudreau was a small player who is remembered for his love of the game.
Flowers were also carried to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
Matthew was going to be a father
In addition to his love of hockey, the media have emphasized Gaudreau’s family orientation.
– Today was supposed to be the kind of day that Johnny Gaudreau cherished above all, wrote Sportsnet Eric Francis.
The Gaudreaus were in their home region for their sister’s wedding. They were to act as bestmen and Johnny’s wife at the wedding Meredith’s as a gas. Johnny and Meredith have two children, 1 year old Noah and a 6-month-old Johnny.
The wedding was canceled due to the tragedy. Gaudreau’s family released a statement local time on Friday.
– Last night we lost two husbands, a father, a son, a son-in-law and a brother-in-law, a nephew, a cousin, a family member and a teammate, but above all two incredible people.
– We want to tell everyone that we receive your support, love and support. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you continue to respect our privacy during this very difficult time of grief.
The release was written by the brothers’ uncle Jim Gaudreau.
Johnny’s wife Meredith Gaudreau commented on the tragedy on Saturday. He shared a bunch of family photos.
– Definitely the best father in the world. So caring and loving. The best companion for going through parenthood. John never missed an appointment, Meredith wrote.
– We make you proud. We love you so much.
It is also interesting information that, according to several American media, Matthew’s wife Madeline Gaudreau was pregnant. Their first child is due at the end of the year.
For example, The New York Post tellsthat Madeline’s sister has opened a collection on the fundraising website Gofundme.
– In such an unimaginably difficult time, we want to support Matthew’s wife Madeline and his future child Trippi together. The support allows time off work to grieve and recover as a family. No amount of money will ease the pain, but any help helps, the site writes, among other things.
More information about the accident
Detailed information has also become available about the accident that led to the tragedy, he says, among other things The Athletic.
So Johnny and Matthew were riding their bikes near their hometown of Carneys Point, Oldmans Township, when they were run over around 9:30 Thursday night local time.
According to the police, the 43-year-old driver of the Jeep Cherokee had tried to pass two slower vehicles when he collided with the Gaudreau brothers, who were driving on the right side of the road.
The Jeep driver had first passed one car normally. According to his own explanation, the Jeep driver had then wanted to pass the SUV driving ahead. The SUV moved to the middle of the road to avoid the cyclists. The Jeep driver explained at the hearing that he thought the SUV was trying to block the pass. Then he started to pass the SUV on the right side – and ran into the Gaudreau brothers.
The 43-year-old driver has a pretrial detention hearing on September 5. The judge heard from him via video call from jail. The judge decided that the man will be held in custody until then.
According to Sportsnet in addition to causing death, the driver is suspected of at least driving under the influence of alcohol, endangering traffic safety and consuming alcohol in the vehicle.
According to the police, the accident driver failed a field sobriety test after the accident. According to his own words, the man had consumed 5-6 beers on the night of the accident, some of which while in traffic.
The man told the police that the car driving in front made it difficult for him to pass and the use of alcohol affected his impatience and irresponsibility.
On Friday morning, the mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle Parker held a previously planned press conference where efforts were made to increase the safety of cyclists. He opened his speech with a moment of silence for the Gaudreau brothers.
Johnny Gaudreau played 763 regular season games in the NHL in Calgary and Columbus, producing 243+500=743.
Matthew Gaudreau was also a puck player. In addition to junior leagues, he played with his brother in the NCAA college league at Boston College, among others. After that, Matthew played in the ECHL and AHL and for a while in Sweden’s third level. After his career, Matthew coached juniors in his home region and was founding the Philadelphia Rebels, currently playing in the NAHL series.
Several North American media have listed Jarmo Kekäläinen’s condolences due to the tragedy to LeBron James.