The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames held vigils Wednesday night to honor former player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew after they tragically passed away last week.
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who was preparing for his third season in Columbus, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, died last Thursday after being struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles in New Jersey the night before their sister Katie’s wedding.
The driver, Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide without bail and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He reportedly admitted to police that he had between five and six drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Johnny spent the first nine seasons of his 11-year NHL career with the Flames, a stint that established him as one of the game’s best players and a fan favorite across North America, before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames held vigils Wednesday night to honor former player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.
Johnny (right) and Matthew (left) died last Thursday after being hit by a vehicle while riding their bikes in New Jersey.
And following the devastating news, both Calgary and Columbus honoured the Gaudreau brothers at emotional vigils Wednesday night.
Thousands of fans flocked to the team’s respective stadiums in Alberta and Ohio to remember the couple, who leave behind wives Meredith and Madeline.
Johnny had two children with Meredith: one-year-old Noa and six-month-old Johnny, while Madeline is currently pregnant with her and Matthew’s first child.
Several Columbus and Calgary personalities spoke at the two vigils as fans held candles aloft in memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said: “It’s an incredible turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I’m not surprised. Flames fans, from the beginning, when we heard this tragic news, when we came out the first day, there was a little bit (of a crowd) here, and every day we came out there was more and more.
“Seeing everyone here is what makes me proud to be from Calgary. And it’s what made Johnny so proud of this city.”
The Blue Jackets, Johnny’s last NHL team, invited fans to honor the Gaudreau brothers
Thousands of people flocked to Nationwide Arena to pay their respects to Johnny and Matthew.
Columbus was devastated by the loss of its star NHL player and his younger brother.
Several of Johnny’s Blue Jackets teammates were overwhelmed with emotion at the vigil;
Calgary, where Johnny spent nine years as a player, also remembered the Gaudreau brothers
A large crowd of supporters turned out at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday night.
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner also said in Columbus: ‘John was more than a teammate. He was a friend, a father, a husband, a son and a brother. As we all witnessed, he was an incredible hockey player who played with such passion and joy every time he stepped onto the ice.
‘He brought the same joy off the ice. He was a very fun guy to be around. He had that smile that could always cheer you up no matter what.
‘He was happy with his wife Mer and two children, Noa and Johnny. His family meant everything to him. We are very lucky to have known him and will always remember the man he was.
‘It’s almost impossible to find the words that truly describe how much we will miss Johnny and Matty.’
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said: “It’s an incredible turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I’m not surprised. Flames fans, from the beginning, when we heard this tragic news, when we came out the first day, there was a little bit (of a crowd) here, and every day we came out there was more and more.
Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith, one-year-old daughter Noa and six-month-old son Johnny.
To add insult to injury, Matthew’s wife Madeline is currently expecting the couple’s first child.
“Seeing everyone here is what makes me proud to be from Calgary. And it’s what made Johnny so proud of this city.”
Johnny’s wife Meredith shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband on their third wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
“I never post this much but John deserves it. 3 years ago today I became yours forever,” Meredith began an emotional Instagram post.
‘One of the best days of my life, including the night we got engaged and the days we brought our babies into the world. The day I met you I remember saying to myself, “Oh my God, I’m going to marry him.” And each day that passed after that just got better. I love you forever, John, and I’m so proud to be your wife.’