It was supposed to be the best weekend of their lives. A wedding, a family reunion, and that specific kind of South Jersey summer air that feels like home. But in a split second on a quiet road in Oldmans Township, the hockey world lost more than just two talented players. We lost a piece of the sport’s soul. Honestly, it’s still hard to wrap your head around the fact that Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau are gone.
If you followed the NHL, you knew "Johnny Hockey." He was the tiny kid from Salem who shouldn't have made it, but ended up torching the best defenders in the world. But if you knew the Gaudreaus, you knew you didn't get John without Matty. They were a package deal. Inseparable.
The Night That Changed Everything
August 29, 2024. The night before their sister Katie’s wedding. The brothers were out for a bike ride—just a quick trip near their family home. It’s the kind of thing athletes do to stay loose, to clear their heads before a big event.
Then came the SUV.
The details that emerged from the New Jersey State Police were gut-wrenching. A driver, later identified as Sean M. Higgins, was allegedly impaired and driving with "road rage." He tried to pass two slower vehicles on the right and struck the brothers from behind. Both Johnny and Matthew died at the scene. They were 31 and 29.
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The driver reportedly told officers he’d had "five or six beers." By January 2026, the legal battle was still churning through the New Jersey court system. A judge recently ruled that Higgins' on-scene statements—where he admitted to hitting them—are admissible in trial. It doesn't bring them back, but for a grieving community, it's a slow crawl toward some kind of accountability.
Why Johnny Hockey Was Different
You’ve gotta understand how much the odds were stacked against John. At 5'9" and maybe 160 pounds soaking wet, he looked like a kid who wandered onto the ice by mistake. But man, could he play.
- The Flames Era: In Calgary, he became a legend. He wasn't just fast; he was elusive. He’d disappear in a corner and come out with the puck while three defenders were still looking for him.
- The 115-Point Season: In 2021-22, he put up numbers that people just don't put up anymore. 40 goals. 75 assists. He was a wizard.
- The Move to Columbus: People shocked. Why leave Calgary for the Blue Jackets? The answer was always family. He wanted to be closer to home so his parents, Guy and Jane, could see more games. He wanted his kids to grow up near their cousins.
Matthew's path was different but just as meaningful. He followed John to Boston College—where they famously played on the same line—and then carved out a professional career in the AHL and ECHL. Eventually, he found his true calling: coaching. He went back to their alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School, to lead the next generation. He was the "steady" one, the guy who kept everyone grounded.
A Legacy Beyond the Ice
The tragedy hit even harder because of what was happening at home. Both Meredith (Johnny’s wife) and Madeline (Matthew’s wife) were pregnant at the time of the crash.
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Since then, the families have welcomed two baby boys: Carter and Tripp. In April 2025, Meredith gave birth to her and John’s third child. It’s bittersweet, obviously. These kids will grow up knowing their dads through highlight reels and the stories told by the "hockey family" that has refused to let their names fade.
The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation
In early 2025, the widows launched a foundation to turn this nightmare into something that helps. It’s not just a generic charity. They’re focusing on:
- Youth Hockey Access: Making sure kids from low-income areas get a chance to play the game the brothers loved.
- Drunk Driving Awareness: Directly tackling the recklessness that took their lives.
- Family Support: Helping other families who have been shattered by similar tragedies.
Just this month—January 17, 2026—the foundation awarded its first-ever grant to Ohio Sled Hockey. It’s a move that fits John and Matty perfectly. They were about the joy of the game, no matter who you were or how you played it.
What People Get Wrong About the Tragedy
There’s a misconception that this was just a "freak accident." The legal filings suggest otherwise. It was a choice. A choice to drink, a choice to drive, and a choice to pass a car on the right because of impatience.
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The defense tried to argue that the brothers' own blood-alcohol levels or lack of bike lights contributed to the crash. The judge didn't buy it. Witness testimony showed they were riding single file, right on the fog line, doing everything right. They weren't just "cyclists"; they were two brothers talking about life the night before a wedding.
How the NHL is Honoring Them Now
Walking into the Nationwide Arena in Columbus or the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary feels different these days. You see the number 13 everywhere.
- The Number 13: Players like Cole Caufield changed their numbers to 13 to honor Johnny.
- The Rafters: The Blue Jackets raised a banner with John’s name, and his locker remains a permanent memorial.
- The "Missing Man" Formation: During their first home game after the crash, the Jackets started the game with only four players on the ice, leaving the left wing spot—John’s spot—empty for 13 seconds.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to honor the Gaudreaus, it’s not just about wearing a jersey. It’s about the culture of the sport and the safety of our communities.
- Support the Foundation: You can donate directly at johnandmatty.org. They have merchandise—like the "Bond of Brothers" cereal—where proceeds go toward youth sports.
- The 5K Run: If you're near Sewell, NJ, keep an eye on May 16, 2026. The 2nd Annual Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day is happening at Washington Lake Park. It’s a massive community event that raises money for the foundation.
- Don't Be "That" Driver: It sounds simple, but the biggest tribute to these brothers is making the call for a ride. If you've had a few, don't touch the keys. It’s a 70-year prison sentence risk for the driver and an eternity of grief for everyone else.
The story of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is a reminder that life is incredibly fragile. They were "family first" men who just happened to be world-class at hockey. Their names will stay in the rafters and the record books, but their true legacy is in the foundation and the three little boys who will grow up knowing their dads were heroes to a whole lot of people.
To keep their memory alive, you can sign up for the 2026 virtual 5K or contribute to the Ohio Sled Hockey initiative. Every bit of support ensures that "John and Matty" remain a household name for all the right reasons.