Johnny Gaudreau, the dynamic NHL star known as “Johnny Hockey,” has died at 31.

Gaudreau played left wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who on Friday morning released a statement confirming his death without citing a cause. The Blue Jackets also confirmed that Gaudreau’s brother, Matthew, had died.

Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011, Johnny Gaudreau became one of the league’s more popular players thanks to a scoring prowess and flashy offensive style that belied his diminutive size. The New Jersey native scored 243 goals and recorded 500 assists in his 11-year NHL career.

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

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