The hockey world woke up to crushing news that Columbus Blue Jackets star and former Boston College standout Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver on Thursday evening near their home in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

According to reports, police said that the brothers were riding bicycles when the driver tried to pass two other vehicles and hit both the Gaudreaus. Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and Matthew Gaudreau was 29. They were planning to attend their sister’s wedding on Friday.

According to reports, Sean M. Higgins, 43, was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and was charged with two counts of death by auto and was jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

“It’s so devastating,” said former BC coach Jerry York. “You wake up in the morning and it’s a brand new day and then you get hit with something like this and it changes everything. So sad.”

Both brothers played at BC, though it was Johnny who would become one of the greatest collegiate players to ever come through the city, winning the Hobey Baker in 2013-14 when he put up 80 points in 40 games. Gaudreau and the Eagles won a national championship in 2012. The undersized forward played with a flair and wizardry that earned him the nickname “Johnny Hockey.”

He went on to play for the Calgary Flames and had his best year there in 2021-22 when he had 40-75-115 totals in 82 games.

“He was just such an unimposing, unassuming guy when he walked into our locker room. A small guy, shy. And the next thing you know he’s the focal point of the whole hockey world,” said York. “It’s just devastating for his whole family. His parents, Jane and Guy, they traveled all over and barely missed any of their games. Just great people. And it’s so sad that they were going to their sister’s (wedding). It’s terrible for their whole family. And then, of course, it’s a tragedy for those who followed him in hockey, whether it was at BC or in the National Hockey League or USA Hockey.”

It has been a difficult few years for BC hockey. Jimmy Hayes, Gaudreau’s former BC teammate and former Bruin, died three years ago and York said that he recently attended the funeral of Tony Voce, a player on York’s first national championship team in 2001 who had suffered a heart attack.

“It’s just tragic. (Johnny) had two young kids and had his whole life ahead of him,” said York.

Johnny Gaudreau was a highly sought after free agent in the summer of 2022 and he surprised many by signing with Columbus.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” said the club in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.”

In a statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wrote in part: “The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”