As news broke early on Friday, August 30, the hockey world was left stunned when it was reported that brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had passed after they were struck by a car while riding their bicycles. An immediate outpouring of love and sympathy came from hockey fans worldwide.
On August 13, 1993 “Johnny Hockey” was born as John Michael Gaudreau to parents Guy and Jane Gaudreau. Johnny learned to skate at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, New Jersey where his father worked as the hockey director.
As a freshman Matthew joined Johnny in his junior year playing hockey at Boston College. In 2014 After producing 36 goals and 80 points in only 40 games Johnny was named Player of the Year for the second time and received the Hobey Baker Award.
Johnny Gaudreau was drafted 104th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames. After playing in college, Gaudreau signed an entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames and, at 20 years old, made his NHL debut in the final game of the 2013-14 season against the Vancouver Canucks. He scored the Flames’ only goal in a 1-5 loss. He played 9 seasons for Calgary.
From there Johnny would set multiple records in the NHL and for the United States World Championship team. Despite his smaller build, Gaudreau found ways to dominate the ice. He made it to the NHL All-Star game seven times in his 11 seasons. He also made the NHL All-Rookie team in 2015, received the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017, and made the NHL First All-Star Team in 2022.
The awards and accolades are just scratching the surface of who Johnny Gaudreau was. Most importantly he was a husband to Meredith, a father to Noa and Johnny, a son to Guy and Jane, a brother to Katie and Kristen Gaudreau, and a friend to many.
His impact will be felt in Columbus and the hockey world forever. Blue Jackets fans were ecstatic when they heard that Johnny Hockey was signing with the Jackets. After a poor season for the Blue Jackets and some fan favorites traded, fans were now buzzing with excitement and hope for what was to come.
Always thinking about his family, Gaudreau said the move was for them. After talking with friends and players, he thought Columbus was a great place to raise a family. When he signed, former GM Jarmo Kekalainen said this about him,
“He is an elite player with great character that makes the players around him better.”
Everyone who speaks about Johnny Gaudreau mentions his character and what a great person he is. He displayed that last season when he joined teammate Patrik Laine in pledging to donate $1000 for every point he scored to the OhioHealth Foundation to provide mental health resources and support to the Columbus community.
Fans have placed a memorial and held a candlelight vigil at Nationwide Arena in tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. A fundraiser for Matthew’s expecting wife Madeline has been started, if you would like to contribute you can find the link highlighted here.
