'We love you Johnny Hockey': Fans of Blue Jackets, NHL react to Johnny Gaudreau death

The Blue Jackets and NHL worlds are in mourning Friday.

The Blue Jackets and NHL confirmed that star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were  killed while biking Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey , close to their hometown in Salem County, New Jersey.

"The  Columbus Blue Jackets  are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," a Blue Jackets spokesman said in a statement. "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 wife, Meredith, his children, Noa 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.

More on Johnny Gaudreau's death: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau dead in New Jersey bike accident

"He thrilled fans in a way 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 whe he arrived two years ago and 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 Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."

Here is how fans are reacting to Gaudreau's death on social media.

LeBron James: 'May Johnny and Matthew fly high'

Mike DeWine reacts to Johnny Gaudreau death

Ohio State shares condolences with Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Crew: 'Johnny consistently displayed his passion for hockey, our City and the fans'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: We 'will remember him as one of our own.'

Mike Lupica: 'No words' after Johnny Gaudreau death

Johnny Gaudreau was many young hockey players' 'favorite player'

'Gone way too soon'

'Rest in peace Johnny Hockey'

'Like so many people, I underestimated Johnny (Gaudreau) at first'

'Rest in Peace Legend'

Johnny Gaudreau 'isn't just a hockey player'

Get more Columbus Blue Jackets talk on the Cannon Fodder podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL fans react to Johnny Gaudreau tragic death