Gaudreau brothers' funeral to be held Monday in Philadelphia

**Funeral Arrangements and Legal Update for John and Matthew Gaudreau**

The funeral for John and Matthew Gaudreau is scheduled for Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. The Columbus Blue Jackets, where John Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," played, will stream the service on their website.

The Gaudreau brothers were tragically killed last week in New Jersey when a suspected drunk driver struck them while they were riding bicycles. The incident occurred just before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, appeared virtually at his first pretrial hearing on Thursday, which has been postponed to September 13 to allow more time for legal preparations.

Higgins, 43, remains in Salem County Jail, facing charges of two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and charges related to alcohol consumption in a vehicle. His attorneys, Matthew Portella and Richard Klineburger III, have stated it is too early in the legal process to make any public comments.

The funeral is expected to draw a large crowd, including numerous members of the hockey community from Columbus, South Jersey, and Boston College, where the Gaudreaus played. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell confirmed that the entire team would attend, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also plans to be there.

Rev. Eric J. Banecker announced that St. Mary Magdalen School will be closed on Monday due to the large anticipated turnout. Banecker noted that the size of the service, particularly given John Gaudreau's professional hockey career, makes it impossible to ensure a safe school environment on that day.

Tributes have poured in from around the hockey world. Candlelight vigils were held in Columbus, Ohio, and Calgary, Alberta, where fans gathered to honor the brothers. A poignant 13-minute, 21-second silent tribute took place outside the Blue Jackets' arena, featuring a slideshow of the Gaudreaus’ lives.

Lewis Gross, the brothers' longtime agent, shared his reflections on their 15 years together, expressing that while their hockey careers have ended, his commitment to the Gaudreau family will continue. Contributions in their memory can be directed to the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, c/o Gross at Sports Professional Management in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher extended continued thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family during remarks about the 2024 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame class. Kevin Stevens, one of the inductees, who played at Boston College before John and Matthew, expressed the deep sadness felt by the hockey community, highlighting the collective effort to support the family through this difficult time.