The Boston Bruins, along with several NHL teams, have expressed their deep sorrow following the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who lost their lives on Thursday night.
“The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” the team said in a statement. “The Gaudreaus will forever be part of the Boston hockey community, thanks to the incredible impact they made as student-athletes on and off the ice at Boston College. We send our support and condolences to their family, friends, teammates, the Calgary Flames, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.”
Both Gaudreau brothers had strong ties to Boston College. Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011 and played his first nine NHL seasons with the team before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. Matthew made his mark in the ECHL, playing for the Worcester Railers in their inaugural season.
Boston College, where both brothers played hockey, also mourned the loss. “The entire BC community is stunned by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player and beloved by teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family during this time of unimaginable loss,” the school stated.
The Boston College Athletics Department and its men’s hockey program released a joint statement expressing their grief: “The Boston College Athletics Department and its men’s hockey program are devastated and mourn the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on Thursday night. Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were shining stars on and off the ice for the Eagles. … We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Gaudreau family and mourn with them during this time of tragedy.”
Other NHL teams also shared their condolences for the Gaudreau family:
- Toronto Maple Leafs: “The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations, and all those who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew during this unimaginably difficult time.”
- Philadelphia Flyers: “Throughout all of their success in the hockey world, both continued to give back to our community. Johnny and Matthew, as well as the entire Gaudreau family, have made a sizable difference in the lives of so many in the Philadelphia area, learning and growing to love the sport of hockey. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Johnny’s wife, Meredith, their children, Noa and Johnny, Matthew’s wife Madeline, and the entire Gaudreau family during this unimaginably difficult time. Johnny and Matthew were, and always will be, beloved and cherished members of the Flyers community and the entire hockey world.”
- Montreal Canadiens: “The Canadiens family is profoundly saddened to learn this morning of the tragic passing of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The organization joins the entire hockey community in offering its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Johnny and Matthew, as well as to their many teammates, coaches, and friends who had the privilege of knowing and crossing paths with them during their inspiring hockey careers. The Club also extends its deepest condolences to all members of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations during these difficult times. To the hockey world, who has lost two exceptional ambassadors and individuals of even greater quality, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Canadiens, as throughout the NHL, mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
- Calgary Flames: “It’s with great sadness that we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family, loved by all of Calgary.”
Tributes and condolences have poured in from across the sports world, honoring the legacy and impact of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
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