In Westville, New Jersey, John Gaudreau was known as John to his family. The widely recognized “Johnny Hockey” moniker that stuck with him throughout his 11-season NHL career emerged during his time playing for Boston College.
His mother, Jane, fondly remembers the “Johnny Hockey” T-shirts and chants from BC fans cheering on their gifted player. Back home in New Jersey, his younger brother Matthew, who also played hockey for Boston College, along with sisters Kristen and Katie, playfully used the nickname as his fame and All-Star status grew through his time in Calgary and Columbus.
Jane shared a favorite family anecdote from the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. While trying to maintain a low profile during a family outing on the Strip, Katie loudly called out, “Johnny! Johnny Hockey!”
“I can see John’s face getting redder and redder and redder,” Jane Gaudreau recounted with a laugh. “You walk down the street and no one knows who you are until Katie started making this whole big thing,” she said.
The family shared happy moments gathering for Katie`s wedding last August, with John and Matt serving as groomsmen and Kristen as the maid of honor. The tragedy that followed has been widely reported over the last eight months. On the night before the wedding, John, 31, and Matt, 29, were tragically killed while cycling in southern New Jersey, struck by a driver suspected of being intoxicated. This devastating loss left the family forever heartbroken, with a void that can never be fully filled.
Despite the immense grief, they persevere. Through welcoming new babies, participating in hockey tributes, sharing memories on social media, establishing a new foundation, and spearheading a playground fundraiser at their cherished local school, the Gaudreaus navigate the darkest days by leaning on each other. Their guiding principle is to live life to the fullest in tribute to Matt and John.
Further challenges lie ahead. The driver accused in the brothers` deaths, described by prosecutors as having a history of aggressive driving, is awaiting trial.
However, as Jane Gaudreau speaks passionately about her vision for a new adaptive playground for special education students at her workplace, it`s the joyful memories that bring comfort. These stories uplift Jane, her husband Guy, and numerous friends and teammates who have just navigated a hockey season without the two men who significantly impacted their families and the sport.
“It`s wonderful to keep their memories alive,” commented their sister, Kristen Venello, a speech assistant at Archbishop Damiano School, who proudly wears her Blue Jackets hoodie. “It is sad. But you focus on all the good they did, and that`s what stays with you. And how much they can still help us.”
The Project
Archbishop Damiano School, established in 1968, supports 125 students with special needs aged 3 to 21. Jane Gaudreau`s brother was a student there, and her mother worked for 44 years at the school. Jane joined the staff in 1984, and her daughter Kristen has taught there for nearly two decades. Katie often volunteered, and both Gaudreau boys dedicated time to the school when their hockey schedules allowed.
Through this initiative, they can establish a lasting legacy at Damiano that extends beyond their family and hockey careers.
Kelsie Snow, widow of former Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow (who passed away in 2023), advised Jane on coping with grief: Stay active. Find a project. Jane and Guy welcomed the suggestion and searched for a suitable endeavor, eventually recognizing the perfect opportunity at Archbishop Damiano.
The Gaudreau family and the school staff have passionately committed to raising funds for a new, modern playground. This facility will feature essential accessibility elements like wheelchair access, ramps, and transfer platforms for students. A “Gaudreau Family 5K” event is planned for May 31st, aiming to significantly contribute to this project, which Principal Michele McCloskey initiated in 2020.
“I know the boys would be proud of us,” Jane stated. “Both Matt and John loved children, so we felt this playground project was a perfect fit.”
The Gaudreaus are also finding solace and purpose in being loving grandparents. Both their daughters-in-law have welcomed children since the tragedy. Meredith, who announced her pregnancy with John`s child during his eulogy in August, gave birth to their third child, Carter Michael Gaudreau, in April. Madeline welcomed her and Matty`s first baby, Tripp Matthew Gaudreau, in December.
Jane smiles as she talks about how much the new arrivals resemble their fathers. Tripp has his dad`s light hair, while Carter resembles his older sister Noa, and both children share likenesses with John.
“My husband keeps saying this,” Jane shared, “`I think God sent us John and Matty back to us.`”
The Road Ahead
Guy and Jane, married for 42 years, find it difficult to go out, often feeling overwhelmed by guilt over enjoying themselves. These feelings also affect Katie deeply. She confided in her mother, unsure about proceeding with a large wedding. Jane gently advised her that there was no wrong choice, encouraging her to allow her grief and anger to subside before making a decision.
Katie and her fiancé, Devin Joyce, have since rescheduled their wedding for July 11th. On Instagram, Katie reflected, “I guess this year has taught me to celebrate our love every day, every minute.”
“You know the boys will be there with us that day,” Jane told her daughter. “They would absolutely want you to have fun.”
Jane added with determination, “That driver has already taken two of the most important people from us. Don`t let him take away your wedding too.”
A Legacy of Laughter
The upcoming 5K race is at capacity with 1,000 runners, but people worldwide can participate virtually. Over 700 virtual participants have already registered, from New Jersey to Canada and Ireland, eager to support the cause. A related online memorabilia auction is also contributing, with all proceeds going towards the $600,000 goal for the playground.
The current playground is inadequate for the students` needs, featuring damaged turf and play equipment not designed for children with disabilities. If the fundraising target is reached, the school plans to start construction this fall and finish by next spring.
While it feels inadequate to call it a silver lining, the family has desperately sought meaning and positivity amidst the senseless tragedy.
So they will run.
For John. For Matt. To support a cause the brothers passionately championed during their lives.
“Of course, this isn`t how I ever imagined building a playground,” Jane said. “But I believe they`ll be watching over us, listening to the children`s laughter. They would truly be happy knowing these children have a place to play.”
Tristan Blackwood