More than seven months after her husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, passed away in a tragic event aboard his bicycle, Meredith Gaudreau has opened up about life without him.
It was in late August 2024 when Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes alongside a New Jersey roadway the day before their sister’s wedding when a drunk driver hit them, costing the hockey brothers their lives.
Meredith has not maintained a solely private life since Johnny’s passing and was at Saturday’s outdoor NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings.
Johnny was one of the veteran stars for the Blue Jackets over the last few seasons, with the Eastern Conference clash honoring his memory in multiple ways. Meredith was interviewed during one intermission by ESPN, who broadcast the game.
“’These moments help me,’ Meredith said. ‘Everyone makes it really special, makes it enjoyable. And seeing the whole NHL, everything, a special moment for John is so nice to see. And it’s really nice to be a part of and have our whole family be a part of it.’
Meredith added her husband’s impact ‘amazes’ her to this day.
Meredith Gaudreau has opened up months after the passing of her husband Johnny Gaudreau
Meredith spoke to a reporter during the intermission of an NHL outdoor game in Columbus
Another example of his impact were the ‘Johnny Hockey’ chants that rang out during last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off Final between the USA and Canada.
Gaudreau’s No 13, which was not worn by another American, hung up in the locker room before the United States’ championship game. Gaudreau likely would have been part of the USA roster had he not passed last year.
‘It catches me off guard, but I’m like… I get it though,’ Meredith said of Johnny’s impact. ‘He was so special. And even I was with some of the Detroit wives today and they all were wearing his pin.’
The Blue Jackets defeated the Red Wings in the outdoor game in what some are calling the biggest regular season win in the franchise’s history.
Meredith is pregnant with her and Johnny’s third child, with their oldest son, Johnny Jr., also in attendance in Columbus for the outdoor game. Meredith has continued to be embraced by the hockey family that also misses her husband.
