Philadelphia Phillies Pay Tribute to NHL Legend Who Died in Startling Accident…
Following the tragic deaths of two brothers, one of whom was an NHL player, the sports world was in sorrow on Friday.
Johnny Gaudreau, a player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his younger brother Matthew were murdered by a car on Thursday night when they were riding bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, which is close to their Salem County home. Police believe an intoxicated driver was responsible for the accident based on preliminary information.
About 40 miles away from the scene, at Citizens Bank Park, the Philadelphia Phillies honored the late brothers on Friday night by holding a moment of silence during their game against the Atlanta Braves.
The Phillies also sent a condolence message on X, the previous Twitter platform.Johnny was getting ready for his 12th NHL season—his third with the Blue Jackets—having just celebrated his 31st birthday earlier in the month. After being selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft out of Boston College, the seasoned winger had previously played nine seasons with them.
“Johnny Hockey” recorded 210 goals and 399 assists in 602 career games. He was selected to seven All-Star teams and was named the NHL’s most gentlemanly player in 2016–17, winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. He leaves behind two small children and his wife, Meredith.Before going pro in the AHL and ECHL, Matthew, 29, played hockey with Johnny at BC. Following his playing career, he entered the coaching field. He had just taken a job as a skills coach with a junior team in West Chester, Pennsylvania, following years of coaching junior and high school hockey.
Madeline, Matthew’s expectant wife, is due to give birth to their first child, Tripp, in December.
The brothers were at home to celebrate their sister Katie’s nuptials to hockey star Devin Joyce, which had been postponed from Friday to Saturday. Before the disaster, Johnny and Matthew were scheduled to be groomsmen and had just taken part in the bridal rehearsal.
