Gathering tearfully, the circle of friends, relatives, admirers, and teammates convene for the joint funeral of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
Numerous NHL players, such as Sean Monahan, Kevin Hayes, Seth Jones, Cole Caufield, Jack Eichel, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, attended to remember and honor two late hockey players.
The siblings' caskets, adorned with matching white cloths featuring golden crosses, were set side by side at the bottom of the pulpit and directly in view of the mourners within the church.
The duo met their untimely end on August 29 when they were hit by a suspected intoxicated driver while cycling on a New Jersey road, mere hours before they were set to serve as best men at their sister's wedding in Philadelphia.
Matthew and Johnny's spouses took the stage at the memorial service.
Madeline, the widow of Matthew Gaudreau, expressed through tears that she felt she was "caught in a nightmarish scenario" from which she couldn't awaken this past week. "I feel numb, enraged, sorrowful, blessed all at once."
Madeline is carrying the couple's first child.
During her tribute, Meredith, the widow of Johnny Gaudreau, revealed she was during her ninth week of pregnancy with the couple's third child.
"Despite losing my husband far too soon, I still feel like the luckiest woman on earth to be his wife," she said.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was a standout in the NHL for 11 seasons, representing the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. He scored 243 career goals and accumulated 743 points, while participating in seven All-Star games.
Meredith expressed gratitude towards those who supported Johnny during his time in Calgary. "He will always be a Flame, and I am proud of that. I am proud to call Calgary my second home as well."
She became particularly emotional when discussing the city her husband chose to play in starting from 2022.
"To Columbus and our Blue Jackets family. I am heartbroken that I won't have more time in your wonderful city with John."
She reminisced about how their two children were born while her husband was playing in the city.
"The memories we made in Columbus as a growing family are the best years of my life."
While conversing with her departed husband, Meredith said, "I miss you so much, and I love you. You are my forever, and I cannot wait until we are all reunited again. Please watch over us."
The brothers made their mark on the ice at Boston College, teaming up during the 2013-14 season.
Matthew Gaudreau, 29, had a professional career spanning five seasons beyond college.
Pastor Tony Penna, the associate vice president and director of campus ministry at Boston College, spoke to the congregation during the service, highlighting the brothers' strong family foundation.
"They attended the right school. Not Gloucester Catholic High School or BC. They attended the Gaudreau School."
The gathering erupted in laughter.
Fr. Penna continued, "That's true.
"They had the best educators. They had the best professors - Guy and Jane (Johnny and Matthew's parents). 'Cause they taught their kids how to love."
The service was broadcast live on the Blue Jackets website.
The grief-stricken crowd applauded heartily as various NHL figures shared their stories about the brothers' love for the sport. Their shared passion for hockey brought them together, even in their untimely departures.
Fans and colleagues alike celebrated the brothers' achievements on the ice, acknowledging their significant contributions to the world of sport.
