The late Johnny Gaudreau's son is serenaded by Blue Jackets fans on his first birthday in touching scene in Columbus

Johnny Gaudreau Jr. marked his first birthday at the Columbus Blue Jackets game on Saturday, accompanied by his mother Meredith, the widow of the late team star.

The arena MC in Columbus announced to fans, ‘Today is a very special birthday for a special young man,’ as the youngest Gaudreau was displayed on the scoreboard. ‘Little baby Johnny Gaudreau Jr. is turning 1 year old today. There he is. Little Johnny.’

‘Jackets fans, Blackhawks fans, let’s join me in singing ”Happy Birthday” to Johnny. ‘

Both supporters of the home team and the visiting Chicago Blackhawks sang the traditional birthday song to celebrate the occasion, while baby Johnny blushed as he stood on Meredith Gaudreau’s sister Lilly’s lap. Meredith, seated next to Lily and her other child Noa Harper, watched the heartwarming scene unfold.

The elder Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by a motorist while biking on the eve of their sister’s wedding back in August. That driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged with two counts of second-degree death by auto in the brothers’ deaths.

Johnny Sr’s widow Meredith did her best to make Johnny Jr’s first birthday special, as seen in a series of photos she posted on Instagram. The brown-eyed, brown-haired boy is seen smiling in his mother’s arms, enjoying some cake alongside his sister, and making a few funny faces.

Columbus would go on to win the game, 5-1.  

Meredith, who is currently pregnant with the couple’s third child, also included some shots of Johnny Sr. holding his only son for the first time.

‘Happy 1st Birthday to our baby boy!’ Meredith wrote online. ‘We love you so much Baby Johnny! Already so strong and so special.’

Meredith also shared her memories of Johnny Sr.’s reaction to the birth.

‘I can’t believe you gave me a boy,’ is all John said over and over again when baby Johnny arrived,’ she wrote on Instagram. ‘I couldn’t stop staring at how happy John was- one of the best moments of my life.

‘Baby Johnny you are Mommy’s rock and Noa’s best friend,’ she continued. ‘All of daddy’s accomplishments don’t compare to the pride and joy he had in being your father.

‘I can’t wait to give you a little sibling soon! Everything for you Baby Johnny. We love you so much.’

Meredith has kept his fans posted on updates about her family, including Thursday night on social media after Team USA fell to Team Canada in the 4 Nations finale. Johnny Sr. would have likely played for the United States in the tournament should he have not been tragically killed last year in New Jersey.

‘So emotional hearing this all around me,’ Meredith wrote online. ‘Kept thinking how I can’t wait to show these videos to our kids one day.’

Gaudreau’s presence was felt multiple times during the tournament, with his No 13 red, white, and blue jersey hanging up in the teams’ locker rooms in Montreal and Boston.

No other player wore No 13 for the Americans in the tournament.

American hockey legend Mike Eruzione also wore Gaudreau’s jersey onto the TD Garden ice before puck drop on Thursday night.

Team Canada defeated the Americans in overtime on Thursday to win the inaugural tournament.

New Jersey police have released dramatic body-cam footage from the nervous moments after the crash on August 29 in New Jersey.  

‘I’ve been drinking beers,’ Higgins told police before admitting to ‘five or six’ Miller Lites.

Ultimately, he’d claim he hadn’t ‘had one in like two hours.’

Prosecutors have accused Higgins of being legally drunk when his vehicle collided with the Gaudreau brothers as they were cycling along a country road in the Philadelphia suburbs. 

The father of two registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.087 – slightly above the New Jersey state limit of 0.08. Higgins faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged with two counts of second-degree death by auto.

The father of two registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.087 – slightly above the New Jersey state limit of 0.08. Higgins faces up to 20 years in prison after being charged with two counts of second-degree death by auto.

The fatal crash happened less than three miles from the Gaudreau family home, hours before Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding. The brothers, who played together at Boston College, have since been honored in Calgary and Columbus, where Johnny played professionally.

You May Also Like
Greenland's prime minister says island cannot be bought, US has 'not been respectful'

Greenland’s leader asserts that purchasing the island is not an option and criticizes US for lack of respect.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen recently addressed comments made by U.S. officials…
I was a sceptic but a psychic changed my life - what she told me will convince you too, says KATE SPICER

A psychic transformed my life despite my doubts – her revelations will also sway you, claims KATE SPICER

When I come face to face with the renowned psychic Estelle Bingham,…
US politics: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of NY, NJ Sen. Cory Booker begin livestreamed sit-in protest on Capitol steps

Livestreamed Sit-In Protest on Capitol Steps Started by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker in US Politics

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and New…
Over 100 illegal migrants drop to the ground and are arrested as cops bust Colorado nightclub

More than 100 unauthorized migrants are apprehended by law enforcement after authorities raid a nightclub in Colorado.

After police conducted a raid on a Colorado nightclub in the early…
Vancouver festival attack suspect revealed as 30-year-old Kai-ji Adam Lo

Identity of Vancouver festival attack suspect disclosed as 30-year-old Kai-ji Adam Lo

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the individual responsible for tragically running over a minimum…
Speedboat Crash

Dramatic Video Captures Speedboat Crash at Popular Arizona Lake

Two speedboat racers narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation following a harrowing crash…
NFL Draft 2025: Chicago Bears stick to their plan, pick TE Colston Loveland 1st, but miss out on early running back, edge rusher

2025 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears select TE Colston Loveland in the 1st round but fail to grab top running back and edge rusher early

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears focused largely on supporting quarterback…
Inside Stagecoach 2025’s star-studded parties: Megan Thee Stallion, Diplo, more

Exclusive Look at the Celebrity-Filled Parties of Stagecoach 2025: Featuring Megan Thee Stallion, Diplo, and More

One of the most popular country music festivals in the desert was…
Is ‘Tracker’ On Tonight? ‘Tracker’ Season 2, Episode 18 Premiere Time And More

“Is the TV Show ‘Tracker’ airing tonight? Find out about Season 2, Episode 18 premiere time and details”

Tracker fans, rejoice! Last week, we saw Justin Hartley’s character going to…
Leftists Will Be Triggered by Trump Saying He Is Bringing Back a Cherished US Holiday

Leftists May React Strongly to Trump’s Announcement About Reviving a Beloved American Holiday

President Donald Trump has announced the reinstatement of Columbus Day, an American…
Chicago crime: Prom dress giveaway at McKinley Park The R.O.C.K. Exchange Resale Boutique after burglary puts event in jeopardy

Prom dress giveaway in McKinley Park at risk after burglary at The R.O.C.K. Exchange Resale Boutique

CHICAGO (WLS) — A prom dress giveaway went on as planned this…
Jay Leno Says He Regrets Letting Jimmy Kimmel ‘Humiliate’ Him: “It Was My Mistake”

Jay Leno Shares Regret Over Allowing Jimmy Kimmel to ‘Humiliate’ Him: “It Was My Mistake”

Jay Leno is reflecting on the infamous moment that ignited a years-long…