Some bonds go far beyond, farther than the rink — bonds forged through love, loss, and the passion for hockey. Few moments have shaken the hockey community as deeply as the tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers. Their passing left a void that words can hardly fill, yet the outpouring of love and support from the hockey world has been nothing short of extraordinary. To this day, Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau are remembered with warmth and reverence by those who knew and loved them.

This time, the warm and earnest tribute came from the heart of Nebraska. The display was so moving when the Omaha Lancers brought together family, fans, and teammates in a way that transcended the game itself. And how did they honor the legacy of Matthew Gaudreau? By launching a special auction featuring his warmup jerseys — a powerful symbol of the impact he left behind.

As for Meredith Gaudreau? She took no time to appreciate it. “For Uncle Matty,” Meredith wrote while re-sharing the story on her social media handle while expressing the deep love and remembrance she holds for her brother-in-law, whose connection to the Omaha Lancers runs deep.

Matthew Gaudreau donned the orange and black from 2011 to 2013. With 15 goals and 25 assists over 106 games in the USHL, he proudly represented the Lancers. And it was not just the stats that made his presence significant but the determination and camaraderie, leaving a lasting mark on his teammates and fans, who now make sure that he continues to inspire.

Hence the heartfelt tribute. To corroborate that, the Lancers prepared to honor his memory with a special tribute game! On April 5, the team will take the ice against Dubuque for a game dedicated to him. While the players wear warmup jerseys with “GAUDREAU,” and the number “11”, it will be an enduring symbol, representing his time with the Lancers.

The long-lasting impact of Johnny Gaudreau’s brother 

“So many great memories watching you play for the @omahalancers. Looking forward to honoring you on April 5th,” Matthew’s mother, Jane Gaudreau, expressed her emotions. For her, it was the time when her son just stepped into creating his legacy with the Lancers. The formative years when his talent flourished, she witnessed with pride. And the game? Well, it reflects a soft moment for the mother who remembers her son.

But the tribute had a deeper impact for Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s wife. “Where it all started with us,” she wrote, but what did she mean? That it was the beginning of their love affair when Matthew started playing for the Lancers in his junior years. In the stands of Lancers’ games, their bond grew stronger and led to a beautiful proposal in 2019 followed by getting hitched in 2021.

A pure testament of love over the years and even today, Madeline’s tributes reflect the love for her husband that cannot be erased with time. And with the Lancers preparing for the tribute game on April 5, they will do so with overwhelming support from Gaudreau’s mom Jane, Madeline, and sister-in-law Meredith, as well as fans. This serves as a reminder that they are celebrating not only a player, but also the man who was a son, a husband, a brother, and a teammate.