Gary Bettman issues a statement on the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau
With the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has released a statement expressing condolences
Many woke up to the news this morning of the tragic passing of an NHL star. Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed in an accident the day before both were to attend their sister's wedding.
With the tragedy confirmed, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has now released a statement on Gaudreau's passing, noting the star's love for his family, and the game of hockey.
"The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward 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 stars while 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."
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 stars while 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."
Details on the accident that killed Johnny Gaudreau and his brother are still scarce. According to the Columbus Dispatch, police confirm there was a bike accident in New Jersey that killed two cyclists.
"As of Friday morning, police have only confirmed to multiple news outlets in New Jersey and Philadelphia that a fatal bike accident occurred around 8 p.m. Thursday in Oldmans Township that killed two adult cyclists."
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans of Johnny Gaudreau.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 30 | 494 ANSWERS Gary Bettman issues a statement on the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau Should the Columbus Blue Jackets retire Johnny Gaudreau's number 13 as a tribute? | ||
| Yes | 336 | 68 % |
| No | 109 | 22.1 % |
| Not sure | 49 | 9.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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