The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames both held vigils on Wednesday night to pay tribute to former player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew after they tragically passed away last week.
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who was in his third season in Columbus, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were killed last Thursday after they were struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes in New Jersey the night before their sister Katie’s wedding.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter without bail or bail and was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He reportedly admitted to police that he had consumed “five to six” drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Johnny played the first nine seasons of his 11-year NHL career with the Flames, establishing himself as one of the best players in the game and a fan favorite across North America. He joined the Blue Jackets in 2022.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames both held vigils Wednesday night to pay tribute to former player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew
Johnny (right) and Matthew (left) were killed last Thursday after being struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles in New Jersey
Following the devastating news, both Calgary and Columbus honored the Gaudreau brothers with an emotional vigil on Wednesday evening.
Thousands of fans packed the team’s stadiums in Alberta and Ohio to remember the duo, who are survived by their wives Meredith and Madeline.
Johnny had two children with Meredith – one-year-old Noa and their six-month-old son Johnny. Madeline is currently pregnant with her and Matthew’s first child.
During the two vigils, several people from Columbus and Calgary gave speeches, while fans held up candles in memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said: “This is a great turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I’m not surprised. Flames fans, from the very beginning when we heard this tragic news, on day one, there was a little bit of [of a crowd] right here, and every day I came out there was more and more and more.
“Seeing you all here, this is what makes me proud to be a Calgaryian. And this is 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 came to the Nationwide Arena to pay their respects to Johnny and Matthew
Columbus is devastated by the loss of his NHL star player and his younger brother
Several of Johnny’s Blue Jackets teammates were emotional during the vigi;
Calgary, where Johnny played for nine years, also remembered the Gaudreau brothers
A large number of supporters flocked to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday evening
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner also said in Columbus, “John was more than just a teammate. He was a friend, father, husband, son and brother. As we all saw, he was a great hockey player who played with such passion and joy every time he stepped on the ice.
“He brought that same joy off the ice. He was such a fun guy to be around. He had that smile that could always cheer you up, no matter what.
“He was happiest with his wife Mer and his two children, Noa and Johnny. His family meant everything to him. We are so blessed to have known him and will always remember the man he was.
“It’s almost impossible to find words that truly describe how much we will miss Johnny and Matty.”
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said: “This is a great turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I’m not surprised. Flames fans, from the very beginning when we heard this tragic news, on day one, there was a little bit of [of a crowd] right here, and every day I came out there was more and more and more.
Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, one-year-old daughter Noa and six-month-old son Johnny
To add to the tragedy, Matthew’s wife Madeline is currently expecting the couple’s first child
“Seeing you all here, this is what makes me proud to be a Calgaryian. And this is what made Johnny so proud of this city.”
Johnny’s wife Meredith paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband on Wednesday in honor of their three-year wedding anniversary.
“I don’t post much but John deserves it. Today marks 3 years since I became yours forever,” Meredith began in 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, OMG, I’m going to marry him. And every day after that just got better and better. I love you forever, John, and I’m so proud to be your wife.”