if it seems as though we have had a little bit of a strange Vibe here to open our show this morning it's because we like everyone across the Sports World and well beyond um felt as though our breath has been taken away this morning by tragic news that came into our Newsroom as was confirmed just within the last half hour and that is that Columbus Blue Jacket star forward Johnny gdo and his brother Matthew who is a minor league hockey player were both killed last night they were struck by a car while they were cycling in oldman's Township New Jersey the driver was arrested charged with two counts of driving under the influence and death by Auto Johnny Gad was 31 years old his brother Matthew was 29 Johnny Gad was known as Johnny hockey he was a legend in South Jersey where he grew up and starred at Boston College where he was a national champion as a freshman in 2012 as a junior he won the 2014 Hobie Baker award as the ncaa's top player gdo then went to the National Hockey League and was an instant star playing for the Calgary Flames in his eight seasons with the Flames he was an All-Star six times his best year was his final year in Calgary where he finished with 115 points he then signed a 7year $68 million contract to go to Columbus where he was just about to start his third season with that team the Blue Jackets have released this statement this morning I will read it to you in its entirety the Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy Johnny was not only a great hockey player but more significantly a loving husband father son brother and friend we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his children to his wife Meredith to his children Noah and Johnny his parents their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew 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 that 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 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 at this time we ask for prayers for the GD family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve once again Johnny Gad played 11 seasons in the National hockey league and was and to show what type of character he was he was awarded the lady Bing trophy in 2017 as the player who quote exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct he was bound for greatness he scored a goal as a true freshman at Boston College in the national championship game and later on won the player of the year award once again tragic news Johnny GD and his brother killed last night we'll be back in just a moment [Music] [Music]