August 30, 2024·Sport·Šárka Blahoňovská
Johnny Gaudreau (Source: Profimedia)
Johnny Gaudreau, the star forward of the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team, died on Thursday evening. This happened in an accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The hockey player’s brother Matthew also died. The club announced this on its website.
Both brothers died in a collision with a car while going for a bike ride. The team issued declarationin which he expresses grief over this loss: “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but above all a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. All who knew him will miss not only his talent on the ice, but also his kindness and joy that he brought everywhere he went. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and for privacy as they grieve.”
According to the team, the accident happened near the hometown of the Gaudreau brothers. Both were found dead at the scene of the accident. According to the server The Columbus Dispatch this should have happened around eight o’clock in the evening. This tragedy is all the more painful as both brothers were to attend their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia the following day. The hockey player left behind his wife and two young children, daughter Noa and son Johnny.
Gaudreau, who was only 31 years old, was one of the most outstanding players in the NHL. After a successful career with the Calgary Flames, he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2022 and quickly became one of the key members of the team. The athlete known by the nickname “Johnny Hockey” became famous for his technical ability, speed and creativity on the ice. He wanted to enter the new season with the goal of regaining form after two disappointing seasons on the ice. As part of the preparation, he represented the United States at the World Ice Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic. He scored three times and had eight assists in eight games.
Gaudreau’s death comes three years after another tragedy struck the Columbus Blue Jackets. Goalkeeper Matiss Kivlenieks died in a fireworks accident during the 2021 Independence Day celebration.
