Montreal Canadiens React To Gaudreau Brothers Passing
News of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s passing was confirmed by the Columbus Blue Jackets around 7:30 a.m. this morning. There had been rumors about it on social media since last night, but the hockey world hoped and prayed it would turn out to be one of those made up stories that appear online out of nowhere.
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It was also confirmed the brothers were biking when a suspected drunk driver collided with them attempting to overtake another vehicle. Sean Higgins, 43, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless driving, improper passing, having an open alcohol container in his vehicle and consuming alcohol while driving. Further charges could be added should the toxicology report confirm he was driving while impaired.
No matter the charges though, nothing will bring back Johnny Hockey, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29. The Gaudreau family was gathered in readiness for the wedding of their youngest daughter which was supposed to be held today. There’s never a good time for tragic deaths like these, but that the tragedy took place on what should have been a joyous occasion for the family makes it even worse (if that’s possible). Both brothers were supposed to be groomsmen in the wedding party.
The hockey community is reeling today and numerous NHL teams have issued supporting statements. The Montreal Canadiens have released one from the team, but also one from new Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent who coached Gaudreau in Columbus last season. The bench boss’ message is both sad and moving as he describes the person that was behind the hockey player.
Newly acquired Canadiens forward Patrik Laine posted a picture of Gaudreau in his Instagram story along with the comment “Rest in peace brother” before adding a picture of his former teammate’s brother as well.
Cole Caufield also made an Instagram story showing pictures of himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets forward on the blue line prior to a Team USA game at this year’s edition of the World Championship in Ostrava, Czechia. In another picture, showing him alongside Gaudreau in the Flames uniform, he has simply written “Always my hero.” The Canadiens’ sniper who is 5-foot-8 looked up to Gaudreau as a role model as the 5-foot-9 player made his way to the NHL after winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-2014, an award Caufield would also claim in 2020-2022.
Former Montreal Canadiens forward and long-time Calgary Flames teammate Sean Monahan who had just signed a five-year deal with the Blue Jackets must also be devastated. Speaking to NHLPA.com in July he said:
I am really looking forward to being teammates with Johnny again. He is motivated to have a big season and be a huge part of the team and I’m excited to have the opportunity to reignite the chemistry we had for close to a decade. He is an amazing teammate, person and friend. I’m looking forward to these next five years.
The eldest brother was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 draft by the Flames with the 104th selection overall but he had since showed the world that a small player could be very successful in the NHL. Younger brother Matthew was never drafted in the NHL but he did play in both the AHL and the ECHL. When Gaudreau explained his decision to leave Calgary and sign with Columbus, he had said that he wanted to be closer to his family. At least he will have been able to enjoy their presence for the last two years of his career and they will be close to support his wife and young kids.
Gaudreau’s death is a devastating blow for a Columbus organization that must be feeling like its been cursed. Back in 2021, goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died in a freak firework accident at the home of the team’s goaltending coach Manny Legace.
While this is an absolute tragedy, it will hopefully teach some sense to those who still dare to drive after drinking in this day and age. Higgins should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and, if found guilty, receive a sentence which will both make him realize the graveness of what he’s done and serve as a stern warning to anyone who would be tempter to drive while impaired.
It’s not the first time an NHLer has passed away in an accident involving a car. Back in September 2003, Dan Snyder died in teammate Dany Heatley’s car after the latter lost control of his vehicle. He was later charged and received a three year probation. He was not, however, driving under the influence when the accident occurred.
