SAD NEWS: Columbus Blue Jackets Has loosed Another High Rated Star Player Due To An Unforeseen Circumstance

The hockey community is in grief following the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, according to today’s news. The 31-year-old Johnny Gaudreau played 11 seasons in the NHL and was most recently a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew, Johnny’s brother, was most recently a member of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. Thursday night, both men were part of a horrible collision. Right now, all we can do is agree with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization’s statement regarding this incident.

The Gaudreau family, in particular his wife Meredith, his kids Noa and Johnny, and the rest of the family and hockey community, are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

 

For many young hockey fans, Johnny Gaudreau was a true inspiration. He was originally from New Jersey, namely the Salem region. After earning the moniker “Johnny Hockey,” he continued to play at Boston College. In addition, the Calgary Flames selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. He would play eight complete seasons in Southern Alberta after making his Calgary debut in April 2014.

 

He was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the previous two seasons. When Team USA called, Johnny would answer the phone, helping them win the 2013 Men’s World Junior Hockey Championships, among other accomplishments. Like his older brother, Matthew (Matt) Gaudreau was a superb hockey player in terms of both size and talent. At Boston College, Johnny and Matt were teammates because Matt was a freshman and Johnny was in his junior year. In addition, Matt would play professionally in the AHL and ECHL in addition to a brief stay in Sweden.

For children in their neighborhood and across North America, the Gaudreau brothers served as enormous role models. Whether it was the Southern Alberta market witnessing a fourth-round pick become into an NHL superstar, or young American hockey players dreaming of becoming like the little, shifty Johnny from New Jersey. When the Gaudreau’s would break the ice, we would watch in wonder and excitement. During this difficult time, our hearts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family, the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the whole hockey community. Russell LaBounty/USA TODAY Sports is the main image.