Upon her return from attending the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan, Meredith Gaudreau, the bereaved wife of former NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, continues to be enveloped in affection for both her deceased husband and his sibling, Matthew.
Meredith journeyed abroad accompanied by her three children with Johnny and her parents-in-law, Jane and Guy Gaudreau. The entire family was present to witness Team USA claim the gold medals in both the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments.
The men’s squad paid tribute to Johnny – who, along with Matthew, was tragically killed in August 2024 when a driver allegedly impaired by alcohol struck them while they were cycling in their home state of New Jersey – by placing his jersey in their locker room and subsequently carrying it onto the ice in celebration of their triumph.
Johnny passed away at 31 years old, having enjoyed a decade-long career in the NHL with both the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He would undoubtedly have been a prime contender to represent his native country at the Games. Matthew, who perished at the age of 29, might have been in the stands, enthusiastically cheering him on.
Instead, Meredith and the Gaudreau family carried their memory, witnessing firsthand the achievements of Team USA.
“This was our most unforgettable weekend dedicated to Daddy,” she announced on Instagram last Sunday. “Our gratitude goes to NBC for facilitating such a truly remarkable weekend for my family. It was a unique, unparalleled chance for us, deeply rooted in our love for our cherished individual.”
Additionally, she highlighted Zach Werenski, Gaudreau’s former teammate from Columbus, for displaying exceptional kindness toward her children with Johnny. Werenski and his fellow player Dylan Larkin even escorted two of Gaudreau’s young ones – Noa, aged 3, and Johnny Jr., aged 2 – onto the rink during their victory festivities.
“Being part of the festivities upon their return with Uncle Z was profoundly moving. A special acknowledgment goes to Uncle Zach for contacting us on his first day off upon his return to invite us over to spend time. Words cannot express the significance of what he and [wife] Odette mean to us. All I can state is that you fully merit that gold medal! The entire squad. Bravo, Team USA, on your triumph! And to you, my dear husband, congratulations on being so profoundly cherished. Our love for you is immense, and our pride is boundless.”
The journey eventually proved to be a beneficial experience for the Gaudreau family. However, there was at first some reluctance regarding their collective participation.
In a statement shared on the family’s X platform, they disclosed their initial misgivings – and what ultimately persuaded them to undertake the journey without any second thoughts.
“When we were initially extended an invitation to Milan for the Olympics, we declined,” the statement read. “It seemed like an overwhelming burden. Yet, we continually pondered what John and Matty would say if they knew we had refused the opportunity. We understood the response. John cherished the honor of representing his nation.
“Since his early childhood, he aspired to contend in the Olympic Games. During that last summer, he was exerting himself more strenuously than ever, striving with all his might to secure a position on that roster. He would have been present. Bearing that realization while observing these Games proved challenging — but our attendance there, encompassed by individuals who genuinely held John and Matty dear, transformed it into an experience we will forever cherish.”
Last year, after achieving its initial gold medal at the IIHF World Championship in 92 years, Team USA paid homage to Gaudreau by photographing with his number 13 jersey beside the trophy.