August 29, 2024. A date etched in heartbreak for the entire hockey universe. The day we lost Johnny Gaudreau and his brother—a pair of legends gone too soon, leaving behind a rink-sized hole in the hearts of fans, friends, and the entire NHL family. And yet, in the hush that followed, Johnny’s legacy has only grown louder, stronger, more unforgettable. One moment that continues to shimmer like fresh ice under arena lights?

That golden 2014 memory when Johnny Hockey, the pride of Boston College, lit up the stats sheet with 80 blazing points, leading the entire nation. Tying Paul Kariya’s legendary record of scoring in 31 consecutive games? Yeah, that’s the kind of stuff that belongs in folklore. Held live during the NCAA Frozen Four in Philly, aired across Comcast and the NHL Network, it was a night of triumph that feels like yesterday. And now, with the NCAA Awards just around the corner again, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife is stepping up—not with sorrow, but with glowing pride. And thanks to her, it still sparkles like a freshly polished trophy.

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, had a quiet but heart-melting moment on Instagram when she reposted a throwback gem from Elite Prospects Hockey that spotlighted her late husband Johnny’s jaw-dropping 2014 Hobey Baker win. But what really tugged at hearts wasn’t just the highlight—it was her caption: “Can’t wait to show this to his boys.” Just a simple sentence, but it carried an avalanche of love, legacy, and quiet pride.

The original post from Elite Prospects was hyped up for the current race, too, as the 2025 Hobey Baker Award countdown nears its final buzzer. They wrote, “We’re just days away from finding out who will take home the 2025 Hobey Baker Award 🔥 Here are how all three finalists’ stats compare this season 🤩 SWIPE ➡ to see how former Hobey winners produced in their award-winning season 👀” And of course, nestled in that lineup of legends was Johnny—because how could he not be? And Meredith’s post didn’t need paragraphs or long speeches—it was all heart, quietly loud in the best way.

And the boys? Well, they are definitely going to love. And here’s a twist: Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, just welcomed their third baby into the world, and it’s already tugging at every heartstring possible. On April 1, baby Carter Michael Gaudreau made his precious debut—8 pounds, 3 ounces, 20.5 inches—literally the exact same as his daddy. She shared the news in a beautiful 14-photo Instagram carousel that had everyone in their feels, showing little Carter surrounded by love, sunshine, and his big siblings in the delivery room.

“Same middle name as his daddy,” she wrote, adding that he “looks exactly like his daddy too 🥰.” And then? She sealed it with a promise that could melt stone: “We are going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to give you the best life, my special boy forever.” Like come on… stop, I’m not crying, you’re crying. And yep, this proud boy mama energy runs deep—because just three months ago, Johnny’s sister-in-law Madeline (aka Matthew Gaudreau’s wife) also welcomed her own sweet bundle of joy, baby Tripp Matthew. It’s like the Gaudreau boys are passing the torch from heaven in the most poetic way. And trust—this isn’t the first time Meredith’s honored Johnny’s legacy.

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife celebrates his legacy!

Back in March, the incredible wives of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau did something so beautiful it’ll leave you misty-eyed—they officially launched the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. On March 18, they took to Instagram with the emotional drop, sharing that “John and Matty have made a tremendous and everlasting impact,” not just on the ice, but on everyone lucky enough to know them. And now? That same kindness is about to ripple through the world, thanks to the foundation’s mission to uplift causes they cared about deeply—like helping hockey families, growing youth hockey, and standing with others affected by drunk driving, just like them.

And get this—they’re not stopping there. The Gaudreau girls, now Co-Presidents of the foundation, are going all in. They’ve invited folks to join the journey at www.johnandmatty.org, saying “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to creating a safer and more inclusive community.” Through every tear and every “what if,” they’re choosing to carry John and Matty’s legacy forward with grace, grit, and purpose. As Katie Gaudreau (sister of Gaudreau brothers) once said through her own tears, “They did so much good in such a short period of time… we need to capitalize on that and keep going.”

And they really are keeping it going—in true hockey fashion. Fast forward to a super emotional collab with the Columbus Blue Jackets and LineChangeCo (yup, the brand by Angela Price and Julie Petry), where Meredith designed a limited-edition sweatshirt for the “Hockey for Her” event. Styled with the Blue Jackets’ third jersey colors and all kinds of heart, this crewneck is more than merch—it’s a mission. Every cent from sales heads straight to the foundation, pushing forward the legacy of two brothers gone too soon but never, ever forgotten. Their story? Oh, it’s still being written—one act of goodness, one warm hoodie, and one kind soul at a time.