NHL Star, Brother To Be Honored By South Jersey Hockey Team After Deadly Crash

SEWELL, NJ — A local team will honor NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, at the South Jersey rink where they developed into hockey sensations.

The Philadelphia Rebels, a junior-league team, will celebrate the Gaudreaus before their home opener Sept. 13 at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. game.

The event is among several local commemorations for the Gaudreaus, who were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver as they rode bikes Aug. 29 in Salem County, according to State Police.

Matthew and Johnny "grew up" at Hollydell Ice Arena, where their father Guy spent decades as the facility's hockey director, according to the Rebels. Guy taught countless kids to skate and play the sport, but Matthew and Johnny were two of his most successful students.

The brothers competed together throughout their South Jersey youths and at Boston College. Johnny Gaudreau became a seven-time NHL all-star who was set to enter his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets before his death. Matthew Gaudreau played several years in the minors before returning to Hollydell, where he coached the Tier 2 junior programs and the Rebels.

"Johnny and Matthew have inspired countless young players at Hollydell, in South Jersey and across the country," the Rebels said in a statement. "We will be forever grateful for their impact on the game of hockey."

Gloucester Catholic High School, where the brothers played hockey and Matthew coached, will hold a night of remembrance Friday in the school gymnasium in Gloucester City. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will be laid to rest Monday during a funeral in Media, Pennsylvania.

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The Philadelphia Rebels play home games at Hollydell. The team competes in the North American Hockey League, one of the nation's top junior hockey leagues.