The tragic death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau in New Jersey on Thursday night plunged the NHL into mourning.
For the Blue Jackets, it was the second such freak accident in only a few years, adding another layer to the devastation.
Three summers ago, Matiss Kivlenieks, a 24-year-old goaltender in the organization, died of chest trauma in an accident at the Novi, Mich. home of then-goaltending coach Manny Legace.
The trauma resulted from an errant fireworks mortar blast, according to police at the time.
In what was later ruled an accidental death, police said the firework tilted slightly and fired toward people nearby. Kivlenieks was in a hot tub attempting to get out of the way when he was hit.
A native of Latvia, Kivlenieks had played for his country at the World Championships that spring and was seen as a potential No. 2 goaltender for the Blue Jackets in the 2021-22 season.
Like Gaudreau, Kivlenieks’ death was connected to a wedding; Legace was hosting a reception in his backyard when the tragedy occurred.
Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were in Oldmans Township, N.J. — their hometown — for their sister Katie’s wedding, where they were set to be groomsmen.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
They were riding bikes together when struck by a suspected drunk driver, Sean Higgins, who was attempting to pass a vehicle on County Road 551.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “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. 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 that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
