By: Gabrielle Nordstrom
A horrific tragedy took two of Jersey’s own, NHL star Johnny Hockey and his brother Matty. Two hockey legends for the state of New Jersey. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bikes Thursday night in Salem County. The pair were in New Jersey for their sister’s wedding in which they were to be groomsmen. The wedding was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
Johnny was one of the best in the game and his legacy will live on forever. He was selected 104th overall in the 2011 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. In his first season with the Flames, he played one game, and had one shot on goal which ended up being his first NHL goal. In his nine seasons with the Calgary Flames he had 609 points in 602 games.
Johnny brought life back into the Calgary Flames organization and will forever hold a special place in fan’s, management and player’s hearts.
After testing the waters in free agency, he decided to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022-23. Johnny was only able to play two seasons with Columbus before his passing. In those two seasons he picked up 134 points in 161 games.
He ended his career with 743 points in 763 games and a Lady Byng Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the NHL player who has the best sportsmanship and most respectful player throughout the league.
Johnny wanted to break the mold for smaller players. Only being 5’9”, many people assumed he would be too short to become a successful player in the big league. After having a tremendous rookie season, those assumptions were quickly squashed as he continued on as one of the faces of the league.
Boston College was lucky to be home to Johnny and Matty Gaudreau for their years in college.
In Johnny’s freshmen year, he led all freshmen in points after putting up 44 points in 44 games. They won the National Championship that year. In his sophomore year he played with the United States in the 2013 World Juniors and won a gold medal along with putting up 51 points in 35 games for Boston. He was awarded Hockey East Player of the Year and was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker award.
In his junior year, his brother Matthew joined him at Boston College. Johnny’s junior year was a historic season as he scored 80 points in 40 games, the highest point production since 2003. He then was named a Hobery Baker finalist again where he was awarded the trophy the same day he began his NHL career.
Matthew played all four years with Boston College, putting up a total of 63 points in 119 games. He then went on to play in the minors league like the AHL and ECHL. He spent time with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Worcester Railers, Reading Royals and Stockton Heat.
Johnny and Matty will be remembered forever in the hockey world, a legacy that will always live on.
