After news broke yesterday of the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, there has been an outpouring of love from all of the people that their lives touched, including in the Boston College community. We’ve gathered some of the condolences and best stories we could find and put them below. We hope that these brief looks into their lives and relationships will help us remember them as the great men that they were.
Johnny’s wife, Meredith, posted twice on Instagram this morning.
The hockey community all over North America has come together to donate to a GoFundMe to support Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline, and their unborn son, Tripp. It says a great deal about the character of these two brothers to see so many people they knew in life contribute in support of their family.
Passing along this GoFundMe for Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline, and their unborn son, Tripp.
All donations will be directly sent to the family for Matthew’s funeral expenses and for the eventual birth of Tripp. ⬇️https://t.co/j6rEdtx7TO
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) August 30, 2024
We heard from both former Boston College head coach Jerry York and current head coach Greg Brown, both of whom coached the brothers while they played on the Heights.
There have been make-shift memorials set up outside of Conte Forum, outside of the Saddledome in Calgary, where Johnny played professionally for the majority of his NHL career, and at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
❤️ from Conte Forum pic.twitter.com/obKz9n0qoe
— BC Interruption (@bcinterruption) August 30, 2024
It’s the Gaudreau Saddledome tonight. Never thought that I would see a memorial of sombre silent tears and sadness at the dome. Calgary is not okay tonight. #johnny #Gaudreau #nhlflames pic.twitter.com/vfdOANLBjb
— Lexie Angelo (@angelolexie) August 31, 2024
The Memorial at Nationwide Arena for Johnny Gaudreau has gotten significantly larger. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/UZMscwh0dQ
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) August 30, 2024
Former teammates and Eagles have shared their condolences on social media as well.
Kevin Hayes pays his respects to Johnny Gaudreau. “Love you John! Say hello to Beau’s dad for me.” pic.twitter.com/46yD84Xtxt
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 30, 2024
There will only be one Johnny Hockey. Even though you were younger, you’re someone who I looked up to in every way. My thoughts and prayers are with Johnny and Matthew’s family and friends. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EeTYdLPrvS
— Cam Atkinson (@CamAtkinson89) August 30, 2024
The entire BC community is stunned by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player & beloved by teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss. pic.twitter.com/RE2rbfTG3K
— Boston College (@BostonCollege) August 30, 2024
Finally, there have been a large number of personal stories shared that demonstrate how kind, loving, and funny the two brothers really were. Here is just a small sample of what we found.
Gaudreau’s friends used to go out for sushi and Johnny didn’t like sushi
He’d go to subway, get a ham and cheese sandwich and bring it to the sushi restaurant just so he could hang out with his friends https://t.co/0P7pxX9lFc
— Nick (@NickZararis) August 30, 2024
A reminder that when Patrik Laine went to the player assistance program Gaudreau picked up his challenge of donating $1000 for every goal he scored. Johnny even added assists to the challenge. A truly great person, rest in peace https://t.co/M3TsxgvY1p
— Alex (@Goodrownomics) August 30, 2024
this is 100% my fave johnny hockey fun fact pic.twitter.com/3cf4WdTLOw
— TK (@CrazySadAzn) August 30, 2024
i’m so heartbroken this part of the article really highlighted for me the love the two brothers had for each other pic.twitter.com/Ht5R1U5Io4
— tara (@ZIBANEJAD_93) August 30, 2024
One of my favorite Gaudreau stories is how he tried to deposit his first game check in an ATM and Kevin Hayes was like no bud that’s not how it works.
— Jess Belmosto (@jessbelmosto) August 30, 2024
A memory from the 2023 NHL All-Star Game. Johnny Gaudreau was beloved by many, including his former Boston College teammate Kevin Hayes. My sympathies go out to Johnny and Matthew’s loved ones. https://t.co/J9hPJh7Hbx pic.twitter.com/Tt3uHYRjgB
— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) August 30, 2024
One of favorite photos of him blowing gum bubbles on the ice during warm-ups. pic.twitter.com/YUrAh11MaJ
— mandyhawk19 (@Mandyhawk19) August 30, 2024
Johnny’s freshman year “Skate with the Eagles” I asked for a photo with my wife and daughter. The following year we brought the photo to the annual autograph session. Johnny remembered my daughter and was happy to sign. A truly great pair of brothers will be missed! pic.twitter.com/ivvBQhO3l9
— Myles&Ellie’sDad (@dhern58) August 30, 2024
If you have any stories of your own, please share them in the comments.