Hockey Community and Family Mourn Gaudreau Brothers at Funeral

In a poignant ceremony held Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate the lives of John and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically lost their lives after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey. The brothers, beloved as both family men and hockey players, were remembered fondly by their wives, Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, as inseparable companions who prioritized family throughout their lives.

John, aged 31, and Matthew, 29, left a lasting impact on those who knew them. Meredith expressed the deep bond between her husband and his brother during an emotional tribute, exclaiming, “Everything was always John and Matty.” She also shared the news that she is expecting the couple’s third child, highlighting the sense of loss rippling through the family.

The funeral service, held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, attracted a large crowd, with hundreds attending to pay their respects. Among those in attendance were NHL players, including Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Cole Caufield from the Montreal Canadiens, alongside NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and executive Brian Burke. Many attendees wore Gaudreau No. 13 jerseys, a tribute to John Gaudreau’s well-known hockey persona as “Johnny Hockey.”

“The turnout today speaks volumes about the respect they garnered,” said Caufield. “It’s hard to fathom what their families are going through right now. We’re here to support them in whatever way possible.”

During her heartfelt eulogy, Meredith acknowledged the key role played by John’s close friends, Sean Monahan and Kevin Hayes, stating, “You helped shape him into the man I fell in love with. You were his brothers, which means you are my brothers, too.” This sentiment highlighted the close-knit community of friends surrounding the Gaudreau family.

John was a prominent NHL All-Star for both the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, while Matthew was his collegiate hockey teammate at Boston College. Their untimely deaths occurred just before their sister’s wedding, deepening the tragedy for the family.

Rev. Tony Penna, director of campus ministry at Boston College, offered words of comfort during the service, emphasizing the significant turnout of attendees as a testament to how much John and Matthew were loved and admired. He assured their parents, Guy and Jane, that their sons’ lives had made a difference in the world.

“The sheer number of people gathered here today sends a powerful message: John and Matthew’s lives mattered,” Penna stated. “They were valued, they were loved, and this community stands strong to support you in your time of loss.”

The circumstances surrounding their passing are heart-wrenching. New Jersey State Police reported that the brothers were cycling on a roadway in Oldmans Township when a driver in an SUV attempted to overtake two vehicles and collided with them from behind. They were declared dead at the scene.

The driver involved faces serious charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and consuming alcohol in a vehicle. He is currently in custody awaiting a hearing.

Madeline, mourning the loss of Matthew, urged everyone to refrain from drinking and driving, encouraging people to find alternative transportation. “Please don’t put another family through this torture,” she said, expressing the heartache that now weighs on both families.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist Madeline, who is pregnant with their first child, has already raised over $645,000, receiving contributions from nearly 9,000 individuals, including many from within the hockey community.

The impact of John and Matthew’s deaths has resonated across the sports world, particularly in Columbus, where John Gaudreau joined the Blue Jackets in 2022, turning down offers from other teams. The city saw an emotional candlelight vigil, with similar tributes occurring in Calgary, as fans mourned their loss together.

In the days following the tragedy, social media has been flooded with memories and tributes to the Gaudreau brothers. Their sister Katie, who was set to marry the day after their deaths, has shared lighter moments captured in photos, reminding everyone of the joy they brought to her life.

She posted a touching video with a heartfelt caption, celebrating her brothers’ legacy while expressing a desire to tell them how much they are loved one last time.