NHL recognizes Gaudreau Brothers

Everyday, NHL Public Relations sends emails to media members informing them about all that the League offers them. Today’s version of their daily “Morning Skate” email cannot be missed – nobody would dare doze off while reading through its contents! For as far back as I can recall, no event in League 32 fandom history brought them together as dramatically when news broke of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s deaths was made known. Accident struck during a bike ride during their sister’s wedding weekend. An allege drunk-driver hit them both instantly, killing both instantly. Following these tragic events, everyone began waiting anxiously for confirmation before accepting or disbelieving any news about what had occurred. Calgary Flames fans were devastated as Johnny had become their beloved youngster over eight seasons before leaving to become a free agent with Columbus Blue Jackets. Family man, he wanted to relocate closer to his relatives on the east coast and enjoyed two seasons before tragedy struck. After suffering the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks back in 2021 in an unfortunate fireworks incident, Jackets fans felt trapped in an endless cycle. Today’s email from NHL PR department provides insight into both Gaudreau brothers’ lives while reflecting back on what has occurred since their tragic passings. As well as reactions from players, there was also an article which detailed tributes paid online by former Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan: Reactions were plentiful from former teams, fans and other star players from different leagues who honored Matthew and Johnny by wearing their numbers 21 and 22, reminiscent of Matthew and Johnny respectively. Johnny 13 was at the heart of many tributes – with Johnny’s USHL team retiring his No. 8 jersey as an act of solidarity and heroism. Johnny’s wife Meredith participated in these social media tributes as she posted about memories related to “John’s favorite guy in the world”. Meredith shared this video of Johnny discussing Sean Monahan, who signed with Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this summer, alongside words by Meredith that read as follows. – My life before hockey involved being John’s caretaker for our three kids; that was all that mattered for me.” – Meredith added further details like this one of John talking about Sean and shared that their friendship brought the Blue Jackets along. – As her life is drastically altered now she mentioned having difficulty adapting. – Hockey began changing my life; that meant spending my days taking care of John and our children was all that mattered.” Meredith commented with: John has long dreamed of seeing Sean wear CBJ. Noa has also become quite fond of cheering for Uncle Sean at training camps and can’t wait to cheer you all the way on! Here’s hoping 23 a successful training camp and can’t wait to cheer you all along the way! All members of the league will feel greatly saddened as this season opens without Johnny Gaudreau and his unwavering smile and amazing skills, yet Monahan may feel particularly grieved having signed with Columbus this Summer with hopes to rejoin Gaudreau from Calgary – hoping they could rekindle old magic together.” (c) David Kirouac-USA TODAY SportsThis Summer has taught everyone one important thing – we only have limited time on earth and must make the most out of every moment we are given while here. NHL players will all wear 1321 decals behind their helmets on April 19 in memory of Karine Hains’ brothers; she can be followed on Instagram @KarineHains Bluesky: @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads at KarineHainsThreads@KarineHainsBookmark The Hockey News Canadiens page to stay up-to-date on everything happening with them!