A New Jersey judge has ruled that blood-alcohol evidence can be used in the upcoming trial of Sean Higgins, the man charged in the tragic deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. This decision brings the case one step closer to trial, as the legal process moves forward following the devastating August 2024 crash that shook the hockey world.

On Monday, the judge denied a motion from Higgins' defense team that sought to exclude key evidence. The defense had argued that the blood-alcohol test was improperly conducted, claiming that plasma was tested instead of whole blood. According to their calculations, this would put Higgins' blood alcohol level at 0.075—just below New Jersey's legal limit of 0.08. Prosecutors, however, maintain the level was 0.87, well above the threshold.

Beyond the test results, the case includes other evidence that paints a troubling picture. A state trooper at the scene reported that Higgins' breath smelled of alcohol. The driver himself admitted to consuming five or six beers before the crash and subsequently failed a field sobriety test. These details will likely be central to the prosecution's case as the trial approaches.

For hockey fans, this case carries immense weight. Johnny Gaudreau was a beloved figure in the sport, known for his dazzling skill and infectious personality during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames. The Gaudreau family has shown remarkable resilience, with Matthew's legacy also honored as the hockey community continues to rally around them. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for two lives taken far too soon. Stay tuned as we follow this developing story.