What’s the one thing that keeps a loved one’s memory alive forever? For the Gaudreau family, it’s the small, heartfelt gestures that carry the biggest weight. Jane Gaudreau, mother of the late Matthew Gaudreau, recently shared a touching tribute from her grandson, Logan, honoring his uncle, a beloved figure in the American Hockey scene. Matthew Gaudreau, aged 29, and his brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, aka Johnny Hockey, an NHL star, tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident on August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The accident, caused by a suspected drunk driver, occurred the night before their sister Katie’s wedding, leaving the Gaudreau family and the hockey community in mourning.
In a heartfelt moment, Logan, Matthew’s nephew, paid tribute to his uncle by wearing a softball jersey bearing Matthew’s hockey jersey number, 21, a gesture that resonated deeply with the family. Jane Gaudreau shared this poignant moment on her Instagram Story, with the caption, “Logan wearing uncle Matty’s number #21” highlighting Logan’s love and admiration for his uncle Matthew, who was not only a talented hockey player but also a cherished family member. The image of Logan in the jersey served as a powerful symbol of Matthew’s lasting impact on those closest to him.
Jane has been open about her grief, frequently using social media to honor her sons’ memories. In recent months, she has shared several tributes, including a post celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory in February noting that Matthew and Johnny, lifelong Eagles fans, would have been thrilled. She wrote, “I know two extremely happy (Eagles) fans in heaven right now!” Another significant moment came in December, when Jane celebrated the birth of Matthew’s son, Tripp Matthew, sharing her joy and sorrow in an Instagram Story: “Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s hearts are overflowing with love for you, Tripp Matthew. We are so incredibly proud of you and your mommy and I know your Daddy is too! .”
The Gaudreau family has received an outpouring of support from the hockey community and beyond. Boston College, where Matthew and Johnny played, honored the brothers with a heartfelt tribute, and Jane expressed her gratitude on X, sharing photos of the family wearing jerseys with their numbers, 13 and 21, respectively. The NHL also paid respects during the Stadium Series, ensuring the brothers’ contributions to the sport are never forgotten.
As Jane continues to navigate her loss, moments like Logan’s tribute offer a bittersweet reminder of Matthew’s enduring presence in their lives. The softball jersey, emblazoned with number 21, stands as a testament to the love and legacy Matthew Gaudreau leaves behind, cherished by his family and remembered by fans across the world. And now a charitable foundation is honoring the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau as well.
Johnny and Matthew Gaurdreau Foundation all set to uplift
Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, widows of the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, have turned their grief into a powerful force for good. On March 19, 2025, they announced the launch of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, a heartfelt tribute to the brothers who were tragically killed in a road accident. This foundation isn’t just a memorial—it’s a mission to keep the Gaudreau brothers’ passions alive by helping others.
The Gaudreau brothers were more than hockey players; they were family men, community builders, and inspirations to countless fans. Johnny, 31, was an NHL star known as “Johnny Hockey,” dazzling crowds with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew, 29, played professionally in the AHL and ECHL, later coaching at Gloucester Catholic High School. Their lives were cut short the night before their sister Katie’s wedding, leaving behind a legacy of joy and generosity. Meredith and Madeline are now channeling that spirit into a foundation aimed at making a difference.
The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation focuses on three core goals: expanding youth hockey opportunities, supporting hockey families facing tragedies, and aiding those affected by drunk driving, just like the Gaudreau brothers. “Your support will promote and expand youth ice hockey opportunities, help hockey families facing tragedies, as well as help families that are unfortunately also affected by drunk driving, like ours,” the foundation’s mission states. It’s a fitting tribute, given the brothers’ deep roots in hockey, from their days with the Little Flyers in Pennsylvania to Boston College and beyond.
Donations are already pouring in, with options to contribute online at johnandmatty.org or by mail to the foundation’s office in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The funds will fuel programs that reflect Johnny and Matthew’s values—passion, integrity, and community. The foundation also plans events like an auction to support the Archbishop Damiano School, showing its commitment to broader charitable causes. Meredith and Madeline’s strength shines through in this endeavor. They’re not just honoring their husbands; they’re ensuring Johnny and Matthew’s love for hockey and family touches lives for years to come.
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