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 were tragically killed last week.
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who was gearing up for his third season in Columbus, and younger sibling Matthew, 29, died last Thursday after being struck by a vehicle while out cycling 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 homicide with no bail or bond and is alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He is said to have admitted to cops that he had ‘5 to 6’ drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Johnny spent the first nine seasons of his 11-year NHL career with the Flames, a tenure that made him one of the sport’s top players and a fan favorite across North America, before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022.
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
Johnny (right) and Matthew (left) died last Thursday after being struck by a vehicle while out cycling in New Jersey
And following the devastating news, both Calgary and Columbus honored the Gaudreau brothers in emotional vigils on Wednesday night.
Thousands of fans headed to the team’s respective arenas in Alberta and Ohio to remember the pair, who leave behind wives Meredith and Madeline.
Johnny had two children with Meredith – Noa, one, and six-month-old son Johnny – while Madeline is currently pregnant with her and Matthew’s first child.
A number of Columbus and Calgary figures spoke at the two vigils as fans held candles aloft in memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said: ‘This is an amazing turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I’m not surprised. Flames fans, right from the beginning when we heard this tragic news, coming out the first day there was a little bit [of a crowd] right here, and every day when I came out there was more and more and more.
‘Now to see all of you here, this is what makes me proud to be a Calgarian. 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 turned up to Nationwide Arena to pay their respects to Johnny and Matthew
Columbus has been left devastated by the loss of its star NHL player and his younger brother
Several of Johnny’s Blue Jackets teammates were overcome with emotion at the vigi;
Calgary, where Johnny spent nine years as a player, also remembered the Gaudreau brothers
A large number of supporters swarmed the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday night
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner also said in Columbus: ‘John was more than just a teammate. He was a friend, father, a husband, son and a brother. As we all got to witness, he was an amazing hockey player who played with such passion and joy every time he took the ice.
‘He carried 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 kids, 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 nearly impossible to find the words that truly describe how deeply we will miss Johnny and Matty.’
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said: ‘This is an amazing turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I’m not surprised. Flames fans, right from the beginning when we heard this tragic news, coming out the first day there was a little bit [of a crowd] right here, and every day when I came out there was more and more and more.
Johnny leaves behind wife Meredith, daughter Noa, one, and six-month-old son Johnny
To add to the tragedy, Matthew’s wife Madeline is currently expecting the couple’s first child
‘Now to see all of you here, this is what makes me proud to be a Calgarian. And this is what made Johnny so proud of this city.’
Johnny’s wife Meredith shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband on their three-year wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
‘I never post this much but John deserves it. 3 years ago today I became yours forever,’ Meredith began in an emotional message on Instagram.
‘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 kept getting better and better. I love you forever John and I am so proud to be your wife.’
