The NHL world was faced with a devastating loss Friday morning as the league announced the tragic passing of star player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The couple, in New Jersey to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding, were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township.

The Washington Capitals were one of many organizations in the league to release a statement.

The team wrote on social media:

The Washington Capitals organization stands with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the hockey community and extends our deepest condolences and mourns the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Our thoughts are with the entire Gaudreau family and the Columbus Blue Jackets organization during this incredibly difficult time.

Many Capitals players were shocked by the news and took to their Instagrams to share their grief and send condolences to the Gaudreau family. Notably, four players in the Capitals organization were former teammates of Gaudreau.

Andrew MangiapaneThe forward who the Capitals traded last summer was perhaps the closest to Gaudreau after playing five seasons with the seven-time All-Star as a member of the Calgary Flames. Mangiapane shared five photos of himself with Gaudreau, both on and off the ice.

“There are no words, we will all miss you,” Mangiapane wrote. “I love you little guy. ❤️”

Most recently, Ryan Leonard And Charlie Lindgren were Gaudreau’s teammates internationally at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic. During the tournament, Gaudreau became the United States’ all-time leading scorer (43). The U.S. was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Czech Republic, the eventual winner of the tournament.

Leonard, who currently attends Boston College, Gaudreau’s alma mater, posted a photo to his Instagram Story of himself standing next to Johnny Hockey as the American flag was raised to the rafters. “RIP ❤️,” Leonard captioned the photo.

Lindgren shared a black-and-white photo of Gaudreau, writing, “RIP 🙏 Praying for the Gaudreau’s.”

Defender of the Capitals Trevor van Riemsdyk also played with Gaudreau as a member of the U.S. team for the 2017 World Championship.

Current and former players of the Capitals organization shared many more notable memories.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family,” TJ Oshie wrote.

Sam Anasmember of the Hershey Bears’ 2023 Calder Cup championship team and currently playing for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL, called Gaudreau an inspirational player.

“Johnny really carved a path for ‘little’ boys in hockey,” Anas said. “I went from playing against him in squirts to idolizing his game. Johnny Hockey will live on forever.”

Former Capitals draft pick, Riley Kapperbecame an admirer of Gaudreau when they played together on the same USHL team, the Dubuque Fighting Saints, during the 2010-11 season. They would go on to win gold together on the United States U20 World Junior Championship team in 2013.

“Johnny, I’m going to miss you bro, I remember meeting you my first day in Dubuque when I was 16,” Barber said. “We were both away from home for the first time. My dad looked at me and said ‘who’s that little brother?’ I said dad, that’s Johnny!! He’s the best player I’ve ever seen and he’s on our team. You were so good you didn’t even have to lace up your skates. Rest in peace.”

Hockey Hall of Famer and former Capitals goaltender, Henrik Lundqvistshared his disbelief. As a member of the New York Rangers, Lundqvist defended the net against Gaudreau during his best seasons in the NHL.

“Hard to believe,” Lundqvist wrote. “So tragic. RIP Johnny.”

Other commemorations and salutes on social media included:

“Praying for the Gaudreau family,” Jakob Chychrun said. “I wish they find peace in this tragic time. 🙏🤍”

“Johnny Hockey❤️,” Dylan Strome wrote.

“Rest in Peace”, former Capital Andre Burakovsky said.

“My heart is broken,” said John Carlson’s wife, Gina Carlsonwrote. “I met his family at an all star weekend years ago, the kindest, sweetest family. I can’t wrap my head around this. I am praying so hard for this family. Prayers to heaven for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Please pray that this family will get through this unimaginable loss. God please carry them.”

“My deepest condolences, sympathies and prayers to the Gaudreau family and their friends on such a sad and devastating loss of precious lives on a weekend that should have been about unity, celebration and love,” Monumental Sports Network said. Alan Mei said. “I cannot imagine the pain and suffering everyone is experiencing. All my prayers go out to every family member and loved one affected by this tragic event.”

“Absolutely heartbreaking and devastating,” he added Craig Lachlin.

Perhaps former Capitals defenseman Zdeno Chara then spoke for us all when he shared a broken heart emoji.