Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of late hockey player Johnny Gaudreau, received a standing ovation while attending the 2025 NHL Draft.
During the event on Friday, June 27, held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Meredith went on stage to reveal the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick.
While onstage, Meredith was met with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation from the audience, creating an emotional moment, according to Today. The crowd also rallied behind her late husband by chanting his name in a display of solidarity.
Seizing the moment, Meredith expressed gratitude to all those who stood by her and her family following the tragic loss of Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers tragically passed away in August 2024 in a biking accident caused by a drunk driver. Johnny was 31, and Matthew was 29 at the time of their untimely demise.
“I just wanted to take this time to thank every single team and every single fan base for your support for my family this past season,” Meredith said on stage, per footage published via Today. “It’s truly an honor to be here and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”
The driver who hit the Gaudreau brothers near their hometown in New Jersey, Sean Higgins, now faces six charges, including aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges.
Johnny and Matthew’s deaths were just one day before their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia, which was postponed after the tragic incident. Both men were scheduled to be groomsmen at the ceremony. Katie’s wedding has since been rescheduled to July 2025.
Meredith was pregnant at the time of Johnny’s death and gave birth to their third child, son Carter, in April. The couple also shared daughter Noa, 2, and son Johnny Jr., 15 months. Meanwhile, Matthew’s widow, Madeline, gave birth to their first child in December 2024, naming him Tripp Matthew in his father’s honor.
Earlier this month, Meredith opened up about her grief and spoke candidly about the moment she learned her husband was dead in a poignant letter published in the Players’ Tribune.
“I was in shock. I was keeled over for days sick to my stomach,” she wrote in the letter, published on June 12. “It’s completely indescribable. The only person who can relate to me is my own sister-in-law. I see her and my heart breaks for her.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement shortly after news was reported of Johnny and Matthew’s deaths.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the franchise posted via X in August. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden death of Johnny and Matthew.”
