Bruins “heartbroken” after deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

The Boston Bruins were among several NHL teams that released a statement after Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday night.

The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the tragic death of Johnny Matthew Gaudreau.

The Gaudreaus will forever remain a part of the Boston hockey community thanks to their incredible impact as student-athletes on and off the ice at Boston College.

We send our support and condolences to her family, friends, teammates, the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Both Gaudreau brothers played at Boston College. Johnny was drafted by the Flames in 2011 and spent his first nine NHL seasons there before signing with the Blue Jackets in 2022. Matthew played for the Worcester Railers in their first ECHL season.

“The entire BC community is stunned by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the best @BC_MHockey players, but also one of the kindest. Matthew was a gifted player and well-loved by his teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family during this time of unimaginable loss,” the school said in a statement.

“The Boston College athletic department and its men's hockey program are devastated and mourn the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on Thursday night. Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were shining stars for the Eagles on and off the ice. … We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family and mourn with them during this time of tragedy.”

Other NHL teams also expressed their condolences to the Gaudreau family.

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Toronto Maple Leafs joins the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations, and all who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew during this unimaginably difficult time.

Philadelphia Flyers: Throughout all of their success in the hockey world, both have continued to give back to our community. Johnny and Matthew, as well as the entire Gaudreau family, have made a significant difference in the lives of so many people in the Philadelphia area by learning and loving the sport of hockey.

Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to Johnny's wife Meredith, their children Noa and Johnny, Matthew's wife Madeline, and the entire Gaudreau family during this unimaginably difficult time. Johnny and Matthew were and will always be loved and valued members of the Flyers community and the entire hockey world.

Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens family is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau this morning.

The organization joins the entire hockey community in extending its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Johnny and Matthew, as well as their many teammates, coaches and friends who were privileged to know and associate with them during their inspirational hockey careers.

The Club would also like to extend its deepest condolences to all members of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames during these difficult times.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the hockey world, which has lost two extraordinary ambassadors and personalities of even greater quality. The Canadiens, like the entire NHL, mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew.

Calgary Flames: It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.

We are heartbroken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and will always be a member of the Flames family and is loved by all of Calgary.

The brothers received further honors from all over the sporting world.

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels outfielder: I am devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. I send my deepest condolences and love to their family.

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers striker: Crazy man! I was immediately so devastated and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high and guide/protect and bless their family(s) from heaven.

Brian Burke, NHL manager: I was fortunate to have Johnny with the Calgary Flames and USA Hockey and it cannot be overstated what a joy it was for all involved to have Johnny Gaudreau on their team. First and foremost, Johnny was always the first to raise his hand to give back to his community. When we asked for charitable contributions, we always knew he would say yes without hesitation. His love for his family, friends and alma mater was always evident and clearly the driving force in his life.

First and foremost, Johnny was always the first to raise his hand and give back to his community.

His love for his family, friends and alma mater was always evident and clearly the driving force in his life. What I will remember most is his cheerfulness, enthusiasm and kindness that radiated through the locker room every day. There are few players in hockey history that matched his passion and love for the game of hockey. His talent on the ice was not diminished, but enhanced by the fact that he was out there having fun.

Johnny and Matthew were killed when the brothers were hit by a man in an SUV in New Jersey, according to police.

Sean Higgins, 43, is charged with two counts of negligent homicide. According to police, the Gaudreau brothers were out cycling on Thursday evening when a man riding in the same direction attempted to overtake two other vehicles and rammed them from behind. Johnny and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene.

The brothers were in New Jersey for their sister Katie's wedding. The two were supposed to be witnesses.

Higgins is being held in the Salem County Jail and police suspect him of driving under the influence.

According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, Higgins told an officer he had five or six beers before the crash and admitted to drinking alcohol while driving. He failed a breathalyzer test. His blood alcohol level was not immediately available.

The Associated Press contributed to this article