South Jersey accident claims the life of NHL star player

Fans of the National Hockey League have woken up to the shocking news that a superstar in the league, Johnny Gaudreau, was killed in an accident last night near his hometown of Salem, New Jersey.

Known to fans as Johnny Hockey, Gaudreau and his brother Mathew were killed while bicycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County.

Gaudreau, 31, was a 2011 graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School and was recently inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.

His current team, the Columbus Blue Jackets put out a statement early this morning confirming the tragedy,

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.

According to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, the brothers were struck by a car while bicycling on a rural road.

The report quotes the New Jersey State Police as saying Sean Higgins, the driver of the vehicle, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.

Higgins was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.  He is currently being held in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

The brothers were in town for the wedding of their sister, which was to take place today.

Mathew, 29, was a professional hockey player as well.  He last played for the Worcester Railers in the ECHL.

Johnny leaves behind a wife and two young children.