On Thursday night Aug. 29, hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck by a drunk driver killing them the night before their sister’s wedding.
Johnny Gaudreau, age 31, played in the NHL as a left wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets as No. 13 and assistant captain. He was known as an amazing hockey player and earned the nickname of Johnny Hockey.
He was drafted into the league by the Calgary Flames in 2011, he played with the flames for nine seasons before signing a contract with the Blue Jackets. According to Johnny Gaudreau Stats And News | NHL.com, throughout his whole entire career he played in 763 games scoring 243 goals throughout his career as well. He also won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and skill in the 2016-17 season.
Not only does he leave behind the hockey community he leaves his family a wife with two young children and an unborn child on the way.
Johnny Gaudreau’s brother Matthew Gaudreau also lost his life that Thursday night. He played for minor league teams as a forward, according to Matt Gaudreau – Stats, Contract, Salary & More.
Matthew, age 29, played for the Worcester Railers (ECHL), Stockton Heat (AHL), Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL), and the Reading Royals (ECHL).
According to Gaudreau brothers remembered for special bond, dedication to family | NHL.com, Matthew and Johnny had a special bond, they wanted to share and do everything together. Matthew Gaudreau leaves behind his wife and his unborn child as well as family.
The brothers were riding their bikes in New Jersey when a drunk driver passed another vehicle who made room for the Gaudreau’s and struck the brothers. According to NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother killed when their bicycles hit by car the driver failed their sobriety test and told the officer on scene they had been drinking behind the wheel and before driving they had about five or six beers.
This tragedy has impacted many from the hockey community and the family. Friday, Aug. 30, was supposed to be a happy day for the Gaudreau family, the brothers’ sister’s wedding. Instead they are mourning their loved ones who they have lost, their deaths could have been prevented. Teams are mourning their teammates, fans are mourning the loss of the players.
How would you feel if you lost someone you loved to a drunk driver? Please if you have been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel, call someone to pick you up. Deaths caused by driving under the influence can be easily preventable.
