Amidst a continuing outpouring of support for the Gaudreau family, Calgary Flames legend Jarome Iginla penned a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, four days after their tragic death.
“While I never had the privilege to play with Johnny, the times we met or played together, I could feel how special he was,” Iginla wrote. ” ‘Johnny Hockey’ made our sport better in many special ways. My family and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have spent time with him, and we will always be his fans.
“With broken hearts, we pray for the Gaudreau family and friends during this devastating time.”
Iginla, who retired as a player in 2017, now serves as a special advisor for Flames general manager Craig Conroy.
The 47-year-old sits at the franchise leader in points, with 1,095 in 1,219 games. Gaudreau, who played for the Flames from 2014 to 2022, sits fifth on that list with 609 points in 602 games.
Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed while cycling on a rural two-lane road near their home in Salem, N.J.
Police said 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.