Canadians Mourn Former Calgary Flames Player Johnny Gaudreau, 31, Killed in Accident

Canadians are mourning the death of former Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau who was killed Aug. 29 after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while cycling on a county road in New Jersey.
Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township when they were hit and killed by an SUV. They were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding the following day.
New Jersey police have charged Sean Higgins, 43, with two counts of death by auto. He is also facing charges of reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
He is alleged to have told an officer that he had five or six beers before the accident and admitted to drinking behind the wheel. Higgins is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Gaudreau was known as “Johnny Hockey” and played 11 professional seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Nine of those seasons were with the Calgary Flames. He signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022-2023 season.
The Flames took to social media to express their condolences to Gaudreau’s family.
A subsequent post by the Flames noted that he had joined the team as a young player and grew with the community.
Premier Danielle Smith also posted her condolences on the social media site.
Former teammate and Calgary Flames player Blake Colman said he was “completely gutted” over the news.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also sent condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Gaudreau.
Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, two young children, 2-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny, and two sisters and his parents.
Gaudreau’s current team, the Blue Jackets, issued a statement saying it was shocked and devastated by his loss.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.”