The Gaudreau family has been in the limelight recently. The NHL community honored them in many ways for the loss of their star, Johnny Gaudreau, fondly known across the hockey fraternity as Johnny Hockey. From celebrating their son’s first birthday mid-game to then walking into a game dressed exactly as Gaudreau would, the Blue Jackets have not missed a single moment to appreciate Gaudreau’s memory and have maintained a strong connection with his family, ensuring that they walk hand in hand as a guiding light.

The NHL, along with all its teams and players, continue to honor and commend the legacy left behind by the Gaudreau brothers. After all, Johnny Gaudreau, the No. 13, was a game-changer on the ice, leaving an unforgettable mark that still has ripple effects on the NHL community! With the Blue Jackets beating the Red Wings, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife penned a heartfelt message about the overwhelming outpour of love for the Gaudreau family during the game.

Meredith Graudeau‘s emotional note to all those who played a part in this grand gesture was posted on the Blue Jackets’ official X handle. The message read, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the NHL, Detroit Red Wings and especially the Columbus Blue Jackets for honoring John in so many ways during the Stadium Series this weekend. The management, players, wives, and fans from both organizations made my family feel so loved and supported.” 

The community has remembered John in many ways with his jersey being flashed throughout the tournament by the fans as well as the head coach. Dean Evason was reminded of Gaudreau following the Blue Jackets’ win which he described as an incredible experience. And when Evason said, “All of the stuff with Johnny made it even extra special,” it made the family reflect on the path their sons had carved. Meredith thanked them all by emphasizing how her late husband would have appreciated the tribute. “I know John truly appreciates it as much as I do,” she said.

And for young Noa and baby Johnny Jr, it was an overwhelming display of admiration. The two kids came to the match with their mother, proudly wearing their father’s jersey—the No. 13—a symbolic tribute to their father’s enduring legacy. Meredith couldn’t help but write, “Thank you most of all for including our children by making them a big part of all the events throughout the weekend. It was Johnny’s legacy that was highlighted throughout the weekend.

Meredith Gaudreau gratefully honors his memory

Baby Johnny’s first birthday was marked by a touching tribute from the Nationwide Arena crowd during the Columbus-Chicago hockey game. The serenade was a heartwarming moment, but what made it even more special was the Blue Jackets players dressing in Johnny’s signature style—a powerful reminder of the late NHL star’s lasting impact. “We wanted to honor Johnny, and dressing like him seemed the best way,” said Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, as the team sported Johnny’s laid-back look: black UGG boots, black sweats, Avalon Surf Shop sweatshirts, and black AMIRI hats with three black stars.

The tribute extended far beyond the stadium. Detroit Red Wings players honored Johnny’s college and USHL career by wearing special jerseys, and it wasn’t just the team—Detroit’s wives also paid their respects to Meredith’s late husband. “I was with some of the Detroit wives today, and they were all wearing his pin. The Team USA girls all had their team on, and, you know, what everyone’s doing is so nice,” Meredith shared during a post-match interview.

Even Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin honored Johnny in his own way, donning his iconic No. 13 jersey in memory of his former USA teammate. After all, Gaudreau’s No. 13 had become more than just a number—it symbolized his influence, appearing prominently in Team USA’s locker room during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

It was a day of celebration for a star whose light still shines brightly. And for Meredith, seeing the overwhelming love for Johnny was nothing short of emotional. “It’s unbelievable, like his impact amazes me, it catches me off guard,” she said, witnessing her husband’s legacy continue to soar.