Blue Jackets, Former BC Star Johnny Gaudreau Dies At 31

The Columbus Blue Jackets released a shocking statement Friday, revealing star forward Johnny Gaudreau -- along with his brother, Matthew -- died Thursday.

According to reports, they were struck and killed while biking in New Jersey.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," the statement partly reads. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice."

WPVI-TV in Philadelphia reported early Friday morning that two bicyclists were struck and killed by a vehicle on Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey. Johnny and Matthew were each scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding on Friday in Philadelphia, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Gaudreau was 31.

Gaudreau attended Boston College from 2011 to 2014, where he was nicknamed "Johnny Hockey" and won the Hobey Baker Award -- college hockey's highest individual award -- in 2014. The Calgary Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. He'd spend nine seasons with the club, being named an NHL All-Star in 2022, before being traded to Columbus.

"The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "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."