Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau: Loved Ones Gather to Honour NHL Star
Friends and family assembled on Monday to honor the life of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in a cycling accident last month. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward, cherished by teammates and fans alike, was remembered in a heartfelt ceremony attended by close acquaintances, including fellow team members and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, met his untimely demise alongside his brother Matthew Gaudreau during a bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were struck by a drunk driver, an incident that shocked the hockey community and beyond. The driver responsible has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
During the eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau delivered a poignant speech. She revealed that she is pregnant with their third child, a fact that had delighted Johnny immensely. “We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited,” she shared, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and reverence.
Meredith's announcement underscored the profound loss felt by the Gaudreau family. The couple already had two young children: Noa Harper Gaudreau, born on September 30, 2022, and Johnny Edward Gaudreau, born on February 22, 2024. Reflecting on their expanding family, Meredith recounted the emotional moment when she first broke the news to Johnny. “I was so nervous because this was, again, a total surprise. But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, ‘You’re nuts, you know that? Three kids?’”
The Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey to fulfill their roles as groomsmen for their sister’s wedding when the tragic accident occurred. The loss of both brothers has been a heavy blow to the family, particularly for Matthew's wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting their first child. The ceremony served as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Meredith also reminisced about the special times she had shared with Johnny as a family. “John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life,” she said, her words resonating with the assembled mourners. “There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever—it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s passing leaves an indelible void in the world of hockey, where his skill on the ice and his character off it were equally admired. His teammates from the Columbus Blue Jackets, along with fans and colleagues across the NHL, continue to express their grief and solidarity with the Gaudreau family.
The ceremony concluded with a series of tributes that celebrated Johnny’s life and legacy. His dedication to the sport, his love for his family, and his ability to inspire those around him were consistently highlighted. Amid the grief, there was also a profound sense of gratitude for having known Johnny Gaudreau—a truly remarkable individual whose impact will be felt for years to come.