The fan’s tear-jerking costume commemorates the Gaudreau brothers who died in the accident

The 11-year-old hockey fan paid tribute Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreauwho was killed by a car while riding a bicycle, in his innovative costume.

Blake Momfer, Ohio resident and Columbus Blue Jackets fan, dressed as a hockey player in the penalty box. Momfer has spina bifida and his family sews a costume around his wheelchair every year.

On the front of the box was written “Gaudreau” and the numbers 13 and 21, which were the numbers on the brother’s shirt.

NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed by a suspected drunken driver while riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on August 29.

Momfer’s costume took about two weeks to create. The family used wood, Plexiglas and cardboard to make the penalty.

Megan Momfer, Blake’s mother, said Penalty is “probably our favorite and most special costume to date” on Facebook.

Who were the Gaudreau brothers?

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was a forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Its NHL began his career in 2011 when he was drafted by the Calgary Flames. Fans called him “Johnny Hockey”.

Matthew Gaudreau, 29, played hockey with his brother at Boston College before becoming the hockey coach at his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School.

Hundreds gathered to remember their brothers funeral in the Catholic Church of St. Mary Magdalene last month.

In her eulogy at the funeral, Meredith Gaudreau said her husband Johnny “didn’t have a bad body.”

“He never talked bad about anybody,” Meredith said. “The most humble person I have ever met, zero ego, quiet, sweet and shy. He was everything, more than I ever dreamed of finding in a man, and then he made all my dreams come true.”

The couple had two young children, and Meredith revealed that she was pregnant with her third child.

“I’m nine weeks pregnant with our third child, a complete surprise, but again John was beaming and very excited,” she said. “I was so nervous because again it was a complete surprise, but his reaction was to immediately kiss me and hug me, even though I was driving.”

Matthew Gaudreau was also expecting a baby with his wife Madeleine. At the funeral, she spoke out against drunk driving.

“I encourage everyone to never drink and drive, call for a ride,” she said. “Please do not subject another family to this torture. The loss of Mattie and John will leave a hole in the family, his close friends and the community forever. However, their legacy will live on in the lives of everyone they touched, their children, their wives, their parents, their brothers and sisters.”

Who is Sean Higgins?

The driver of the vehicle, 43 years old Sean Higginsmultiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide.

Higgins allegedly hit the brothers from behind while trying to pass two cars. He is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

“Motor vehicles are clearly dangerous tools, and they can and are in many cases deadly,” Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio said at Higgins’ detention hearing. “Especially when a person is operating not only under the influence, but also in an apparently aggressive manner, driving at excessive speed and, by the defendant’s own admission, consuming several glasses of beer before driving, apparently even while driving. .”

Higgins is expected to appear in court at a pre-arraignment conference on November 12.

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