NHL Community Unite to Defend Johnny Gaudreau Over Suspect’s Defaming Claim

Johnny Gaudreau was much more than an NHL star. He was a loving husband and father to his wife and children and more than just a teammate to his fellow ice hockey players on the rink. When he passed away on August 29, 2024, every single NHL team out there shared their tribute to one of the most prominent talents on the ice.

While riding bicycles near their home in Salem County, New Jersey, Johnny and his brother Matthew were struck by a drunk driver who goes by Sean Higgins, and following the incident, they passed away. The suspect was charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming a*cohol in a motor vehicle. However, the story has taken a new turn as Higgins recently accused the brothers, a claim that sparked intense criticism from the NHL community.

According to Puck Report NHL on X, sharing a report by the NY Post, “Sean Higgins, the drunk driver that fatally struck Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, is fighting to have his indictment tossed, alleging that the Gaudreau brothers were both drunker than him at the time of the deadly hit-and-run.” Now that’s a serious claim about someone who had a ton of respect in the ice hockey community.

The suspect provided details indicating that the brothers’ blood a*cohol levels were higher than his own. During the testing, Higgins had a blood concentration level of 0.087%, which is just above the legal limit. Similarly, the test revealed that Johnny Gaudreau’s level was 0.129%, followed by his brother, Matthew, who was at 0.134%.

But what was Higgins’ attorneys’ reaction to these claims? They didn’t argue in the new filing. Indeed, the court papers were clear that the two brothers weren’t committing anything against the law when they got involved in the crash. But did the attorneys give any statement for this? “We believe these filings are essential to ensuring that our client’s Constitutional rights are protected and that he is not being treated unfairly based upon the amount of publicity being garnered,” said Higgins’ attorneys. However, the NHL community didn’t take these claims quite well.

They united for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother

While the suspect wanted to prove himself in court, the NHL community was not happy with these disrespectful claims. Defending Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, one fan stated, “F*** off. Them being drunker doesn’t excuse him for k*lling them.” Another fan stated, “In NJ it’s not actually illegal to ride a bicycle while intoxicated, some other states and counties it is, so not sure if this would help him (I hope not).” Similarly, this comment read, “What a piece of s***. I hope Higgins rots in pr*son. Sc*mbag.”

This incident shocked a lot of people in the ice hockey community. And the Columbus Blue Jackets, which was Johnny’s final NHL team, shared their tribute, stating, “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. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”

Indeed, it was a difficult time for many, and the statement from Sean Higgins only fueled the fire among the fans, as one comment read, “Imagine using that as a defense. The guys you mu*dered were drunker than you even though they were the responsible ones and not driving home while you were the one drunk driving.” Another fan stated, “This guy is an absolute piece of s***. Johnny and Matty were having some drinks and chose to ride bikes instead of getting into a car and putting others at risk. Higgins should be under the j*il tbh.”

The frustration from the fans calling for justice for Johnny Gaudreau is understandable. Previously, the court offered Higgins a plea deal, but he ultimately pleaded not guilty to the charges. With the case continuing, if he’s found convicted, then he will be serving up to 60 years in a sentence.