Boston College recently unveiled a heartfelt tribute to the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, former students of the institution whose lives were tragically cut short. The campus, where the brothers both attended, now bears the initials "JG" and "MG" on the boards of the local ice rink, serving as a lasting memorial to their memory.
The Gaudreau brothers, Johnny and Matthew, met a tragic end at the ages of 31 and 29, respectively, after a devastating accident involving a drunk driver while they were riding bikes in August. Their untimely passing left a void in the hearts of their loved ones, including their parents, two sisters, and their wives. Johnny's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, who is currently expecting their third child, shared the touching tribute on her Instagram Story, expressing the significance of the gesture with two heart emojis.
Matthew, who was also expecting his first child with his wife Madeline Gaudreau, was fondly remembered through the tribute at Boston College's rink. Madeline, too, shared the emotional moment on her Instagram Story, reminiscing about her late husband with a poignant message, "Miss you so much," accompanied by a dove emoji.
Following the tragic news of the brothers' passing, the Beacon Street Buzz, a campus radio station, paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew, acknowledging their profound impact on the BC community. The Instagram statement expressed condolences to the Gaudreau family and friends, emphasizing the lasting legacy the brothers had left behind.
Johnny, a former BC student, went on to pursue a career in professional hockey, being drafted by the Calgary Flames and later signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Ohio-based NHL team has dedicated their upcoming season to honoring the memory of Johnny and Matthew, ensuring that their legacy lives on both on and off the ice.
Reflecting on the influence of the Gaudreau brothers, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski shared, "One of the questions we've kind of asked ourselves is, 'What would John want us to do in certain situations?' He'd want us to enjoy coming to the rink and being around our teammates and being together."
As a symbol of remembrance, each Blue Jackets player will wear a "Gaudreau" sticker on their helmets, featuring two doves, the brothers' respective hockey numbers (No. 13 and No. 21), and an additional No. 13 patch on their jerseys. Johnny's jersey will accompany the team to all away games, and his locker will remain a poignant reminder in the home arena.
Through these gestures and tributes, the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau continues to resonate within the Boston College and NHL communities, serving as a reminder of the impact they had on those around them.
