“To continue giving back to what the boys are passionate about and to ultimately continue to make a positive impact on the world in their honor,” read the statement during the launch of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Founded in honor of the memory of the late Gaudreau brothers by their wives, the foundation aims to positively impact the hockey community and advocate for the causes closest to Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s hearts. It is already gaining much traction, and recently the foundation dropped a major hint about a massive new partnership.
Hours ago, Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s widow, took to her Instagram handle and re-shared BLK the Label’s story. “Reveal coming soon,” she wrote, while tagging Omaha Lancers, the junior hockey team that plays in the United States Hockey League. While she kept all other details secret, Madeline tagged the Gaudreau Foundation along with the Lancers, signaling a new partnership that might be announced soon. Considering that BLK the Label is a clothing company, it’s likely that the partnership will involve the release of new clothing to honor the brothers.
However, this isn’t the first time that the Lancers have joined hands with the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. They organized an event and launched a special auction featuring Matthew’s warm-up jerseys — a powerful symbol to honor the man who represented the team from 2011 to 2013. During his time with the Lancers, he scored 15 goals and made 25 assists, and it was during this time that he met his wife, Madeline.
But that’s not all. The Lancers have also announced a special tribute game in his memory later today. As they take the ice against Dubuque, they have dedicated the game to him, and players will wear warm-up jerseys with “GAUDREAU” and the number “11” emblazoned on the back. While this will be a special honor for the late brothers, their legacy will remain alive forever through the work of the foundation.
The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation’s goals
The hockey community was sent into a state of shock last year following the news about Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s death while bicycling together in Salem County, New Jersey. While it was the cause of unimaginable heartbreak for their family and friends, hockey fans were also left deeply affected by their sudden passing.
But in a move to keep their memories alive through service and social work, the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation was born. The essence of who they were and what they believed in will be kept alive through the foundation. “In addition to their hockey talents, the boys were known for their kindness,” reads the message on the website from the two sisters-in-law and co-presidents of the foundation.
Talking about the Foundation, Meredith and Madeline also wrote, “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to creating a safer and more inclusive community. On behalf of our families, we thank you for being part of our important mission and for helping us honor John and Matty’s legacies amidst so much heartbreak and tragedy. We hope to make them proud!”
The foundation has already begun activity, showing that their goal of keeping their husbands’ legacies alive is off to a strong start. Meredith had launched a special edition sweatshirt in memory of the brothers a few weeks earlier in partnership with the Blue Jackets and LineChangeCo., with all proceeds going to the foundation. And as per the website, there’s more clothing to come as well as events hosted by the foundation in the future.
With the Lancers about to strike a new partnership with the foundation, it is yet another step in the right direction for them to fulfill their goals. Indeed, Johnny and Matthew’s legacy will remain forever etched in the memory of the fans as the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation takes giant leaps in the coming months.
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