In a heart-wrenching farewell, friends, family, and the hockey community gathered on Monday to remember the life of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau, known for his dynamic play on the ice, tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last month, leaving a void in the hearts of many.
A Community Mourns
The memorial for Gaudreau drew a crowd that included his Columbus Blue Jackets teammates and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. The presence of Bettman and his teammates underscored the profound impact Gaudreau had both on and off the ice, showcasing the deep bonds forged in the world of professional sports.
The tragedy was compounded by the fact that Gaudreau, 31, was not alone on that fateful day. He and his brother Matthew were enjoying a bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck and killed by a drunk driver, according to police reports. The driver involved was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, adding a legal dimension to the grief and anger felt by those close to the Gaudreau family.
A Family's Heartbreak
During the emotional ceremony, Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny's wife, delivered a poignant eulogy that revealed she is in her ninth week of pregnancy with their third child. “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 words adding another layer of sorrow to an already heart-wrenching narrative.
Meredith spoke candidly about her initial nerves when discovering the pregnancy. “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 Gaudreaus’ growing family already includes two young children: Noa Harper, born on September 30, 2022, and Johnny Edward, born on February 22, 2024. Despite the tragic circumstances, Meredith's speech highlighted the joyful moments they shared 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 reminisced, sharing that there was one week in particular that she would cherish forever.
A Community in Solidarity
The sorrow extended beyond Johnny Gaudreau’s immediate family. Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline, is also expecting their first child, adding another layer of tragedy to the family's loss. The Gaudreau brothers had returned to New Jersey to serve as groomsmen for their sister's wedding, a celebration that has now been forever marred by their untimely deaths.
As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, the outpouring of support from the hockey world has been immense. Teammates, fans, and colleagues have shared grieving tributes, ensuring that the legacies of both Johnny and Matthew will not be forgotten. The collective mourning illustrates the tight-knit nature of the NHL community, where players, teams, and fans come together in times of joy and sorrow alike.
The legacy of Johnny Gaudreau, both as a player and a family man, will undoubtedly endure within the hockey community and beyond. Amidst the grief, his life serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of cherishing every moment.