John Michael Gaudreau, aka Johnny Hockey, was an American professional ice hockey winger. His skill and determination have made him a prominent figure in the NHL. Gaudreau was born in Salem, New Jersey, U.S., on August 13, 1993. His journey to professional stardom is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Early Life and Family
Johnny Gaudreau was raised in a close-knit family in Carneys Point, New Jersey. His father, Guy Gaudreau, a former soccer player, college athlete, and high school coach from Beebe Plain, Vermont, significantly impacted Johnny’s early passion for hockey. His mother, Jane Gaudreau, provided unwavering support and ensured her children pursued their dreams. Gaudreau had two sisters and a younger brother, Matthew, who has played hockey for the ECHL’s Worcester Railers and the A.H.L.’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Education and Hockey Beginnings
Johnny transferred from Gloucester Catholic High School to Dubuque, Iowa, where he graduated. In the USHL, he played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, where he competed in the 2011 USHL All-Star Game and became a Clark Cup (USHL champions) champion. He also earned USHL Rookie of the Year honors.
He then attended Boston College and played for the Eagles. At Boston College, Gaudreau’s exceptional performance earned him widespread attention. His playmaking and shooting skills helped him become the best player in college hockey.
Career Achievements and Milestones
Gaudreau was awarded the Bill Flynn Trophy, which was given to the Most Valuable Player of the Hockey East Championship Tournament. Under his guidance, the Eagles also won the traditional Beanpot Tournament for the third year, and he was named Beanpot MVP after the tournament.
Despite losing to archrival Boston University in the Hockey East tournament semi-finals and also falling to Union College in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Gaudreau was named Hockey East Player of the Year. He was also recognized as an ACHA First Team All-American for his outstanding offensive production.
While his team lost to Union College in the Frozen Four on April 11, Gaudreau was still the 2014 recipient of the Hobey Baker Award, awarded to given NCAA’s top men’s ice hockey player.
Johnny Gaudreau started his NHL career with the Calgary Flames, who drafted him in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He officially joined the team in 2014, appearing in the last game of the regular season. Gaudreau scored the Flames’ lone goal on his first shot in his first professional game.
Gaudreau became a fan favorite because of his exciting style of play. In 2022, he signed a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, beginning a new era in his career. His presence inspired the team and its fans, highlighting his value as one of the league’s top players.
Personal Life
Gaudreau married his wife Meredith in September 2021. The couple welcomed two kids together, a daughter in 2022 and a son in February 2024. On September 9, 2024, Meredith announced that she was expecting their third child.
In January 2015, Johnny Gaudreau applied to register the nickname “Johnny Hockey” in Canada and the US, fearing people would exploit his nickname to gain similar marketing benefits.
About Death
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, visiting Oldmans Township, New Jersey, for their sister Katie’s wedding the next day, tragically lost their lives when an alleged drunk driver hit them as they rode their bicycles on the evening of August 29, 2024.
On September 13, 2024, authorities ordered the driver to stay in jail. Subsequently, they formally indicted him on December 11, 2024, and scheduled his arraignment for January 7, 2025. He faces up to 20 years behind bars.
Tribute from NHL Players
On September 3, American NHL scholar and US national teammate Cole Caufield declared that starting with the 2024–25 season, he would change his jersey number from 22 to 13 to honor Gaudreau, calling him an early-inspiring figure in his hockey career.
For their opening home game of the season on October 15, the Blue Jackets “saved a spot for Johnny,” running a missing-man formation by playing without a left winger and passing the puck to the empty spot as they observed 13 seconds of silence. The game included a charitable fundraiser, a tribute video, a memorial banner for his no. 13 raised to the Nationwide Arena rafters, and a PSA opposing drunk driving.
Gaudreau’s rise from small-town hockey player to NHL superstar inspires countless young athletes worldwide. His story speaks to the importance of family and hard work in achieving success.
