Johnny Gaudreau’s Family Share Heartfelt Note as Late Hockey Star Gains Huge NHL Honors: ‘Overwhelmed With Emotion’

And just like that… the magic of Johnny Gaudreau still dances in the rink air. With the IIHF Men’s Hockey Tournament in full swing, Team USA found the sweetest way to keep Johnny’s spark alive, and yup, it totally tugged on the heartstrings. They hung his legendary #13 jersey right there in the locker room, and the IIHF? Oh, they did their part too by dropping a tribute video. This time of year’s gotta be tough on his brothers on ice, especially since it was just last year when Johnny shattered those records (all-time American career points and assists records) and carved his name in bold right across the stat sheets — 43 points, and a legacy that refuses to chill.

His wife, Meredith, oh she felt it. She shared that image of Johnny’s jersey on her Insta story, adding the most tender caption: “Will never stop being so so proud.” She followed it with the IIHF video and poured her heart out with a lil’ “My adorable husband <3. Miss you so much. Everything for you.” And that video? Pure gold. From NHL voices like Tage Thompson sharing how Johnny was more than just a star, he was the guy they looked up to, to Will Smith (nope, not that one) giving a shoutout to how Johnny made BC hockey feel like home, it’s clear the man left fingerprints on every frozen surface he touched. And now, Johnny Gaudreau’s family pours their hearts out in a tender tribute, just as the late hockey legend is showered with some seriously massive NHL love.

The Gaudreau Family 5K, yep, the Inaugural Run/Walk & Family Day honoring the beautiful souls of John & Matthew Gaudreau, took to X to share some major. The Calgary Flames dropped this gem: “Johnny #13 has been named to the #NHLQCTeam. Congratulations to the Gaudreau family – we’re sending our love from Calgary!” And the Gaudreau fam? Oh, they came back with hearts wide open. They said, “We are overwhelmed with pride and emotion to see our son John named to the NHL All Quarter-Century Team. This honor recognizes his truly special talent.” And you just know they meant every word, straight from the soul.

The family didn’t hold back, and thank goodness we needed to hear this. They reminded everyone that Johnny’s story was bigger than assists and goals. “He so loved being with his teammates playing the game,” and the part that hit us right in the feels? “What makes this recognition even more meaningful is knowing that John’s legacy extends far beyond his hockey achievements.” They called him “a remarkable human being – a loving son, devoted husband and father, proud brother, uncle and friend who touched countless lives with his kindness, humility, and infectious smile.”

“We are overwhelmed with pride and emotion to see our son John named to the NHL All Quarter-Century Team. This honor recognizes his truly special talent. He so loved being with his teammates playing the game.

What makes this recognition even more meaningful is knowing that… pic.twitter.com/2U8W0yiw3V

— Gaudreau Family 5K (@Gaudreau5K) May 10, 2025

As they continue the mission of honoring both John and Matthew, they’re doing it with full hearts, saying, “This honor from the NHL reminds us that while our boys may no longer be with us, their impact on the game and everyone who knew them lives on.” And the mic-drop closer? “Thank you to the @NHL, the @NHLFlames & @BlueJacketsNHL, and all the fans who continue to remember and celebrate both our boys.” Legends never leave, they just keep skating in our hearts.

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