This week, tragedy struck in the sports world. On August 29, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau went on a bike ride at night on the eve of their sister’s wedding. There was a drunk driver by the name of Sean Higgins who was driving home after 6 beers and he would hit Johnny and Matthew. They would end up passing away leaving their sons, siblings, their family and hockey. Every will miss Johnny and Matthew and they deserve to be honoured.
In college, Johnny Hockey was a superstar. He was on the USHL Second All Star Team as a Rookie and he won Rookie of the Year that year too! He was Hockey East Player of the Year twice and he was on the NCAA East First All American Team twice. He would eventually win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award for being the top U.S collegiate player in 2014. This was just the beginning for Johnny Gaudreau.
Johnny Gaudreau started his NHL career with the Calgary Flames when in 2011 he was drafted in the 4th round. His first full season was in 2014-2015 where he played 80 games and had 64 points. In his rookie year, he was an All-Star and was on the All Rookie Team. So he had a great start to his career and it only got better. The next year he would finish with 78 points, just under a point per game and it was clear that he was going to be a superstar. He really popped off in 2018-2019 where he finished with 36 goals, 63 assists and 99 points. This is what many thought his peak was but Johnny Hockey was just getting started.
In a contract year, after 2 disappointing seasons, Johnny was on a mission. He wanted to lead the Flames to glory and he did so by putting up career numbers. He played in all 82 games and finished with 40 goals, 75 assists and 115 points. 16 more than his career high. Yes, he really did have an incredible year. Unfortunately, the playoffs were not the same as they were eliminated in the second round but Johnny Gaudreau still had a good playoff run with 14 points and 12 games. After this season, Johnny Gaudreau would leave Calgary for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Johnny Hockey would take a paycut to go to Columbus which would end up with fans in New Jersey hating him. He signed a seven year 68.25 million dollar contract with the Blue Jackets. He reached a milestone against the Devils with his 700th career NHL point. Johnny would have solid seasons with the Blue Jackets and he was going into his third season when he was killed.
Unfortunately, we will never be able to watch Johnny Hockey play again but we will be able to remember him. He was a great player and a great person and what happened to him and his brother is truly awful.
BS Reports 
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