One year after Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s tragic deaths, their presence is still present within Team USA hockey

It's been one year since the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were struck by an alleged drunk driver while bicycling in Salem County, New Jersey on August 29.

The loss of the two brothers felt across the hockey community, sparking tributes, vigils, and continued remembrances that remain as strong today as they were in the immediate aftermath.

One year since Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s loss, their influence remains strong in hockey hearts worldwide

Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was only 31 and already a seven-time NHL All-Star, with an illustrious career spanning the Calgary Flames and the Blue Jackets. His younger brother Matthew, 29, had carved out his own hockey path in the ECHL and AHL before dedicating himself to coaching youth players with the Philadelphia Rebels.

Both were widely respected not just for their contributions on the ice, but for the humility, kindness, and warmth they carried into every room.

At this week’s U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp, players and coaches spoke passionately about the brothers’ enduring presence. “Definitely a year of a lot of emotions, one I’ll never forget,” said Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski. “I learned a lot about myself, about our team, about friendship and family… I can’t really wrap my head around it.”

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who shared an agent with Johnny, described him as “still so present in my life.” He added, “That’s the ultimate honor, is living up to the standard that Johnny had on hockey.”Across the NHL, tributes have poured in since the tragedy. From a banner raised in Columbus to players wearing Gaudreau jerseys during international tournaments, his legacy has been honored in ways that transcend the game.

Ottawa’s Shane Pinto summed it up: “We just want to celebrate his life… he was such a big part of USA Hockey.”

Case against alleged drunk driver continues

The crash that killed the Gaudreaus remains the subject of a high-profile court battle. Sean M. Higgins, 44, was indicted on multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide. Prosecutors allege Higgins struck the brothers after passing another vehicle on the right, with a blood alcohol level above New Jersey’s legal limit.

He faces up to 70 years in prison if convicted on all counts.For the hockey world, however, the legal proceedings cannot erase the deeper reality: Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s influence endures in every locker room, every tribute, and every memory shared by teammates and fans alike. As Werenski noted, “He was Johnny Hockey… one of the greatest Americans of all time. And he was even better as a person.”Also Read: Former Maple Leafs forward brutally questions Golden Knights star’s NHL ranking with surprising “not like won the masters” jab