The hockey world and beyond are remembering NHL forward Johnny Gaudreau and former pro hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed Thursday night.

Tributes and statements are pouring in for Johnny Gaudreau and younger brother Matthew, who died Thursday night.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were riding their bikes after 8 p.m. ET when a driver struck them in a Jeep, according to CBS Philadelphia.

Per CBS Philadelphia, New Jersey State Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was detained under suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. Higgins failed standardized field sobriety tests, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by CBS, and was charged with two counts of death by auto.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were listed as groomsmen for their sister Katie's wedding, scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

Since the NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets announced their deaths Friday morning, members of the hockey world and beyond have commented on the news.

The Blue Jackets, Gaudreau's team for the last two seasons after signing a seven-year contract in 2022, called the news an "unimaginable tragedy."

"Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the team wrote in a statement. "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.

"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."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement, saying the league is shocked and saddened by the passings of both brothers.

"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," the statement said.

Johnny Gaudreau played 763 NHL games across 11 seasons, split between the Flames and Blue Jackets.

"It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary," the Flames wrote in a statement. "He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice but also a beloved member of our community.

"The pain we feel for Johnny’s wife Meredith, children Noa and Johnny, parents Jane and Guy, sisters Kristen and Katie, and the entire Gaudreau family is immense," the team's statement continued.

Before Gaudreau turned pro and joined the NHL, he spent three seasons at Boston College. In the third year, Matthew Gaudreau joined the team as well. Johnny Gaudreau earned the Hobey Baker Award that season in 2013-14 as NCAA's top collegiate men's hockey player, and they were regular-season champions in Hockey East.

After his older brother joined the Flames, Matthew Gaudreau played another three seasons for Boston College, being a Hockey East regular-season champion again in 2015-16.

"The entire BC community is stunned by the tragic news," Boston College posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest (Boston College men's hockey) players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player and beloved by teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss."

Matthew Gaudreau eventually turned pro as well, playing in parts of two seasons for the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, now called the Islanders.

"The entire New York Islanders organization is deeply saddened by the passing of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau," the Bridgeport team posted on X. "They both were tremendous ambassadors for the sport of hockey and even better people in the community."

Both players also attended Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, N.J. Matthew Gaudreau coached the hockey team in the last two seasons, following in the footsteps of their father, Guy, who coached there for 11 seasons.

Johnny Gaudreau hosted an annual charity golf tournament that raised funds for prospective students to attend Gloucester Catholic High. 

"The Gloucester Catholic family is devastated by the sudden and unspeakable losses of beloved alumni Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau," the school posted on X.

"Johnny and Matt truly loved Gloucester Catholic, and the entire Gaudreau family have always been loyal and dedicated supporters of Gloucester Catholic," the statement continued. Principal Thomas Iacovone, Jr., added they were incredible players and students but more amazing human beings.

'Fine Young Men with Beautiful Family That Seemed So Close'

The sporting world and beyond also paid tribute and sent their condolences to the Gaudreau family.

Blue Jackets fans have placed flowers, sticks and hats below Johnny Gaudreau's banner at Nationwide Arena Friday.

A memorial in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome also developed, with jerseys, flowers, purple Gatorade, signs and more being laid on the steps.

Former Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, who signed Johnny Gaudreau in 2022, said he is deeply saddened by the news he received late Thursday night.

"R.I.P. Johnny and Matthew, fine young men with beautiful family that seemed so close…gone way too soon," Kekalainen said on X.

Former Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent, who was initially an associate coach when Gaudreau joined the team, said he had the privilege of getting to know the "real Johnny Gaudreau."

"He was a humble and unassuming young man with extraordinary talent, who never sought to be in the spotlight," Vincent said in a statement.

Kelsie Snow, who lost her husband, Flames assistant GM Chris Snow, in September 2023 after a battle with ALS, said all her love is with the "beautiful Gaudreau family."

"(Snow's children) Cohen, Willa and I know deeply the visceral, incomprehensible and unsurvivable pain they feel now, and we stand with them in the devastated solidarity only grievers can understand," Snow said on X.

Former Calgary Flames hockey operations president and USA Hockey executive Brian Burke said it cannot be overstated what a joy it was for everyone to have Johnny Gaudreau on their team.

"First and foremost, Johnny was always the first to raise his hand to give back to his community," Burke wrote on X. "When we had any charity requests, we always knew he would say yes, without hesitation. His love of his family, friends and alma mater was always apparent and was clearly the driving force of his life.

"What I will remember most was his happiness, enthusiasm and kindness that radiated out through the locker room every day."

Former NHL player Daniel Carcillo posted a video on social media, sending his condolences to the Gaudreau family and friends and discussing the importance of being in touch with loved ones.

ESPN hockey commentator John Buccigross shared a clip of Johnny Gaudreau scoring late in the 2012 NCAA championship game to give Boston College a 3-1 lead, calling it the "definitive Johnny Gaudreau forever young hockey moment."

"With Johnny Gaudreau, there was always the possibility of a moment like this," Buccigross said. "An electric star who made the sport better by his art yet was grounded in his foundational principle: a big, loving family and countless friends is more important than anything."

NBA star LeBron James also sent his condolences to the family on social media.

"May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above," James wrote on X.

In Bratislava, Slovakia, Teams Hungary and Slovakia observed a moment of silence for the Gaudreau brothers before their Olympic qualification game.

The amount of tributes far exceeds the messages shown here as Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau continue to be remembered.

"At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve," the Blue Jackets' statement said.