“Hockey was everything to them; when you talk about a typical rink rat, that was them,” said Jane Gaudreau, the mother of hockey brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. The kind of pair, perhaps, who lived for morning skates, practice, ice, and goals! But after the loss of two sons in a tragic accident, the family’s world was shattered, and they lost the rhythm of their everyday life.

And for the Hockey world? It was unreal to let go of not one but two great players. From teammates to coaches and fans, it shook the entire league despite the community standing and showing up in ways to pay their respect and honor the Gaudreau family. And that came up with the Omaha Lancers organising a ceremony to tribute the two brothers in their latest face-off! Just like a family honoring family. After all, didn’t Matthew wear the orange and black with full pride when he skated his heart out back in 2011 and 2013?

That’s the memory, etched onto the rink wall and never seeming to fade. The community remembered their No. 11 when the Lancers took over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at Liberty First Credit Union Arena on Saturday. “Tonight we honor Matthew Gaudreau & celebrate our fans. It’s Matthew Gaudreau Night & Fan Appreciation Night,” read the caption of the post shared on the Omaha Lancers Instagram handle. In a packed arena, the Lancers showed a ceremonial video, invited the Gaudreau family to drop the puck, and held an 11-second silence for their beloved number 11, Matthew Gaudreau. The heartfelt gesture moved everyone, including Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau. Touched by  by the emotion of the tribute night, she shared her feelings on her Instagram story, writing, “Matty Night 🧡”

Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, also expressed her appreciation of the gesture. Sharing a picture where she is seen standing with her baby boy Tripp with the Fighting Saints and Lancers players, she wrote, “All for daddy & uncle john 🦋🤍.” While the Lancers wore Matthew’s number 11 to honor him, the Fighting Saints, whom Johnny had helped to win the Clark Cup title, wore his number. 8, which now stands retired in honor of the fallen star.

Madeline welcomed Tripp last year in December, months after her husband’s passing. So coming to the arena was bittersweet for her. “We always planned to bring our kids here one day, but it’s special that I get to bring our son here. It’s bittersweet, but I know Matt’s with us,” she said. Indeed, Matthew Gaudreau and his brother live on through the many endeavors that their wives have embarked upon to honor them.

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s story continues to be woven with love

Ahead of the game between the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Omaha Lancers, Madeline Gaudreau had taken to Instagram to drop a hint about a collaboration. Sharing BLK the Label’s Instagram story on her own handle, Madeline had written, “Reveal coming soon.” The story, in which both The Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation and the Omaha Lancers were tagged, kept things in suspense with a blurred image of what looked like a pair of black tops.

That suspense was finally dispelled just a few hours ago when BLK the Label finally lifted the curtains on what was expected to be yet another tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother. Sharing a carousel of pictures—one of which featured Madeline and her baby boy Tripp—the clothing brand revealed a commemorative hoodie replete with details honoring the fallen hockey stars. The black hoodie, which has Matthew’s initials ‘M.R.G’ also features his Boston College hockey number 21 on its left sleeve and his brother’s NHL number 13 on the right.

“Wishing you all the best tonight as you honor Matty’s legacy,” the post began as it referred to the Omaha Lancers’ tribute. “We’re so grateful to help tell your story through these hoodie that carry deep meaning and love, and will last a lifetime. Thank you for trusting us with something so special,” read the rest of the post. It is a special gesture indeed, one that brings a sense of warmth to everyone who misses the brothers who left this world too soon.