Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman are preparing to pay their respects at the funeral service for John and Matthew Gaudreau, the brothers tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey. The memorial is scheduled to take place on Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania.
John, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” was a beloved All-Star player for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, while Matthew played collegiate hockey at Boston College alongside his brother. The entire hockey community, from Columbus to South Jersey and Boston College, is expected to come together to honor the Gaudreau brothers at the funeral. John was 31 years old, and Matthew was 29.
Despite the tragedy, the brothers have been remembered fondly by fans and players alike. A candlelight vigil was held in Columbus, Ohio, where Gaudreau recently signed with the Blue Jackets, turning down more lucrative offers from other teams. The entire Columbus Blue Jackets team, including General Manager Don Waddell, will be in attendance at the funeral, along with notable figures like NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and former BC coach Jerry York.
A GoFundMe page set up for Matthew’s widow, Madeline, has received an outpouring of support, with donations exceeding $600,000 from nearly 9,000 contributors, including NHL players and their families. The hockey community has rallied behind the Gaudreau family in their time of need.
The Gaudreau brothers lost their lives in a tragic accident on Aug. 29 when they were struck by a drunk driver while cycling in Oldmans Township. The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, faces charges of death by auto, reckless driving, and other offenses. The brothers’ sister, Katie Gaudreau, has shared heartfelt tributes to her brothers on social media, reminiscing about happier times and expressing her love for them.
Collegiate hockey player Devin Joyce, who was to marry Katie Gaudreau, pledged to take care of her in honor of her brothers. He expressed his deep love for John and Matthew, emphasizing how fortunate he was to have them as brothers. The tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers has united the hockey community in grief and remembrance.
