Who is Johnny Hockey? What to know about late hockey player Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," along with his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver Thursday night while the brothers were riding their bicycles in Salem County, NJ.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31.
Here's how Johnny Gaudreau earned the "Johnny Hockey" moniker through his rise through the hockey ranks.
'Johnny Hockey' was a high school hockey star in New Jersey
Johnny Gaudreau was a class of 2011 Gloucester Catholic High School graduate who was inducted to the school's hall of fame earlier this year.
Gaudreau was a Boston College alum and member of the Columbus Blue Jackets who played most of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames and was a member of Team USA hockey.
"It's almost the stuff of legend now; Gaudreau growing up learning to skate by tracking a trail of Skittles candy on the ice inside Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, New Jersey, the rink where his father, Guy, was serving as hockey director," read the National Hockey League's biography of Johnny Gaudreau. "The Johnny Hockey story begins in Carneys Point, NJ, and goes through Dubuque of the United States Hockey League to the campus of Boston College, where he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the NCAA's best player, to the international stage, where he won a gold medal with the United States at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Tournament, and on to the NHL."
Johnny Gaudreau drafted by the Calgary Flames; later signed with Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau, drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, made his NHL debut during the final game of the 2013-14 season against the Vancouver Canucks.
"Gaudreau played 80 games in 2014-15, scored 24 goals and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL's top rookie," read the NHL's biography on Johnny Gaudreau. "He led all rookies in assists with 40, tied Mark Stone of the Ottawa Senators for the rookie lead in points with 64 and had 14 multiple-point games.
"He also helped Calgary to its first playoff appearance in six seasons and led the Flames with nine points in 11 games."
Johnny Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68-million plus deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.
'Johnny Hockey' made impact on international hockey
Johnny Gaudreau was as much a force in the International Ice Hockey Federation as he was in the NHL.
Johnny Gaudreau also played for several years in the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League.
"Johnny Gaudreau had five points (one goal, four assists) for the United States in a 10-1 win against Kazakhstan on May 19, 2024," read the NHL's biography on Johnny Gaudreau, "to give him 43 at the IIHF World Championship and break Patrick Kane's record for most points and assists by a United States player in tournament history."
'Johnny Hockey' Johnny Gaudreau a multiple-time NHL all-star
Johnny Gaudreau's career as it stands would garner some support for his entrance into the NHL hall of fame, given the accolades Gaudreau has received.
'Johnny Hockey" made the NHL all-rookie team in 2015 and has played in seven NHL all-star games in his decade-long NHL career.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: 'Johnny Hockey' Johnny Gaudreau, killed by suspected drunk drive
