NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Statement on the Passing of Johnny Gaudreau

The entire hockey community is feeling this devastating, tragic loss. It is with heavy hearts that we report that Johnny Gaudreau passed away Thursday evening along with his brother, Matthew; in a road accident involving a drunk driver. Both brothers were hit by a car while riding bikes. Friday morning after police and others confirmed the news and their identities, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau.

The National Hockey League commissioner states,

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jacketsforward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.

“He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, emerging as one of our League’s brightest young starswhile compiling the franchise’s fifth-highest career points total. His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs. And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both played and where Matthew was the head hockey coach following his own five-year pro playing career.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Statement on the Passing of Johnny Gaudreau

Very nice sentiments commissioner. We have to agree… Johnny’s passion was truly inspiring. Especially, to the young, up and coming players that looked up to him as an example. Gaudreau was an extremely hard worker, that left it all on the ice, day in and day out; for any team he played for throughout his career. Leaving all who had the honor of watching him in action, with fond of his numerous clutch plays.

Commissioner Bettman finishes his statement with sincere thoughts for the Gaudreau family, friends, as well as teammates. He concludes,

“We send our most heart-felt condolences to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice.”

To the Gaudreau family, we too have you in our thoughts today. Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and his brother Matthew, was 29.

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