Former Calgary Flame Johnny Gaudreau Tragically Killed

The hockey world is mourning the loss of the Columbus Blue Jackets star forward, Johnny Gaudreau.

Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were both killed Thursday night in a traffic crash in his home state of New Jersey.

Police say the pair were on bikes in Oldmans Township when they were struck by someone in a Jeep passing a slower vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was “suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,” police said.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.

He was taken into custody at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

The Bluejackets issued a statement this morning saying Gaudreau was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.

The 31 year old spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Calgary Flames.

Gaudreau is survived by his wife Meredith and his two children, Noa and Johnny.

Matthew Gaudreau played wing at Boston College and later played for Bridgeport of the AHL and the Worcester Railers of the ECHL before getting into coaching.

Matthew was 29 years old.

Gaudreau was the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School's hockey team the last two seasons.

The brothers both played for the school in Gloucester City, New Jersey.