WORCESTER, Mass. — As the Worcester Railers begin the 2024-25 ECHL season, the team is honoring Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau with tributes on the rink and on players’ helmets.

The two brothers passed away in August after being struck by a suspected drunk driver during a bike ride in New Jersey the day before their sisters’ wedding.

Both brothers shined in the local spotlight during their days at Boston College — Johnny went on to become an All-Star caliber NHL player for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, while Matthew made a career in the minor leagues, logging more than 80 games for the Worcester Railers.

Michael Myers, chief operating officer of the Worcester Railers, said both brothers always approached the game and their lives with generosity.

“There was always such a buzz around them, but they never had the ego,” Myers said. “When he was here, Matty was so humble, just a private kid, but he always had time to give back. The family was always giving back to the hockey community.”

Before the Railers’ opening game on Saturday, both teams left a spot open on the ice at puck drop in honor of the Gaudreau brothers.

Matthew’s #21 jersey was also on display near the Railers’ bench for the duration of the game.

“It’s hard to really grasp the impact that their family had on hockey,” Myers said. “How much time they spent with youth players in the offseason, whether it was helping out at practices or in clinics.”