It’s been 11 years of the Stadium Series in the NHL. Yet, this year’s series that saw over 90,000 fans crowd the stands of Ohio Stadium to watch the clash between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings might be the most special one of them all. Because, under the bright lights, it wasn’t the hockey being played that took precedence. Rather, it was the celebration of a star who burned bright: Johnny Gaudreau. As the game saw numerous heartfelt tributes for the late Johnny Hockey, his wife took the time to speak about the outpouring of love she witnessed.
Post-match P.K. Subban, now of ESPN, had a conversation with Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, about how powerful her husband’s impact had been with the team, the organization, and most importantly, the city of Columbus. Meredith was holding back tears and attempting to rein in her emotions as she began to answer. “His impact amazes me; it catches me off guard, but I’m like, This is—I get it, though, like he was so special.
Her voice reflected her power and strength as she added, “And even I was with some of the Detroit wives today, and they all were wearing his pin, and Team USA girls all had their team on, and like, you know, what everyone’s doing is so nice. Just to see his impact reach so far, I’m like, that’s crazy.”
Thank you @meredithgaudreau_ for taking the time to talk to us tonight!We love you#NHL #JohnnyHockey #Stadium Series pic.twitter.com/DgJbJ5CMMb
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) March 2, 2025
She further reflected on her late husband’s legacy, recalling her mother’s funny reaction. “My mom actually made a funny comment; she’s like, she doesn’t know a whole lot about hockey, and she said, I think John knew how famous he was, and I was like, I don’t know anymore; this is so crazy, like his impact has really reached so far.”
And fittingly enough, it was the Blue Jackets who won the game 5-3. Though it was the emotional aspect of the game that made the win all the more sweeter. As head coach Dean Evason said, “This experience was incredible. Not just the win, obviously. That’s fantastic. But …” He paused for a few moments to collect himself before continuing, “All of the stuff with Johnny made it even extra special.” The whole day was to honor Johnny Gaudreau, and everything was set up accordingly.
Meredith Gaudreau planned the outfits!
Johnny Gaudreau left an indelible mark on the teams he played for and on the sport of hockey. Naturally, even the players felt his impact—not just on the ice but in their hearts as well. And when it was time for them to honor their beloved teammate, there was no better way than to dress the part! Literally. What could be a better tribute than to enter the stadium, all adorned in Johnny Hockey’s signature style of a green hoodie, a three-star Amiri hat, black sweats, and Ugg boots, right?
Of course, when it came to Johnny Hockey, there was no person to seek help from than Meredith! “She helped us a lot with pictures, trying to find his signature Johnny fit. We have to thank her a lot,” said captain Boone Jenner. She bought the sweatshirts for the players at the Avalon Surf Shop, located in a charming town where the Gaudreau family would often spend their offseasons. And the hat was the same expensive one Meredith got for Johnny years ago, which he wore almost every day. “‘Mer’ bought him that Amiri hat with the three stars, and he wore it all the time. It’s pretty funny; the ones we’re wearing are black, but his was pretty beat down with sweat stains,” Jenner said.
But it was Zach Werenski who planned out the outfits with the rest of his teammates. He said, “He wore the same stuff all the time. I think that’s what made him, in a sense, a special person, how laid-back he was. Part of that was his style. We just thought it was a great idea to dress like him.” Werenski added that this unique tribute would help everyone take a moment to remember the man he was when he wasn’t holding his hockey stick. “If you knew John, you get it,” said Sean Monahan, who was also Gaudreau’s best friend.
And, for a fact, it did turn out to be a great idea. It was a special emotional moment for everyone at the stadium, whether you were there for the Blue Jackets or not—a clear picture of why they love the sport beyond just watching their team win. There’s a reason he was nicknamed Johnny Hockey—his love for the sport was undeniably deep. It’s only fitting that he was showered with tributes at a hockey game.
The post Teary-Eyed Meredith Gaudreau Reflects on Blue Jackets and NHL Fans’ Honor for Late Husband Johnny Hockey: “Catches Me Off-Guard” appeared first on EssentiallySports.