It’s been almost nine months since the hockey world was shocked by the untimely deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a tragic biking accident caused by an allegedly drunk driver. In every market around the league, the loss of the Gaudreau family was lamented.
In the Montreal Canadiens’ dressing room, one player was particularly affected by Gaudreau’s sudden passing: Cole Caufield. For the 24-year-old snipper, the news hit hard. As a five-foot-eight player, who always had to prove he could be just as good as taller players, Gaudreau had always inspired the Wisconsin native. Furthermore, just a few months earlier, he had the opportunity to play alongside his idol at the 2024 World Championship and formed a strong friendship with him.
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Like many NHLers, Caufield attended the brothers’ funeral to pay his respect, but felt he needed to do more. He changed his number from 22 to 13 to honor his fallen friend. Throughout the season, you could also see the nickname Gaudreau gave him, “Eloc,” on his stick.
Last month, Guy Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew’s dad, was Caufield’s guest for a playoff game and met with him after the match. Since the tragedy, the Gaudreau family has undertaken various initiatives to honour their sons and husbands, including creating the Gaudreau Family 5K Race Run Family Fun Day.
On May 31, people are invited to participate in the event that honours the Gaudreau family’s competitive spirit and celebrates the blessing of family and friends. The event is raising funds for the Archbishop Damiano School, whose website states:
Archbishop Damiano School is an approved non-profit Private Special Education School in Westville, NJ, that provides services to over 135 students with multiple disabilities and offers individualized and inclusive special education programs and therapies for students ages 3 – 21. ADS programs focus on building independence through an engaging curriculum and fostering an environment where students feel valued, respected, and supported. Our educational programming is divided into four broad levels.-
Funds are raised through race registration and an online memorabilia auction. Among the many lots up for grabs are a Caufield autographed jersey and a framed 16x20 picture of the Canadiens’ sniper, which he’s autographed and inscribed with the mention “For Johnny and Matty.” The auction opened on April 25 and will close on the day of the run, so there’s plenty of time left to take part and donate to the cause if you so desire.
While the Gaudreau brothers’ departure has been tragic, it’s fantastic to see how the hockey community comes together in trying times; we got another example on Saturday when Dallas Stars fans started making $55 donations to causes Winnipeg Jets’ player Mark Scheifele supports after his father’s sudden passing, it was their way to help the player through the ordeal. Despite heated rivalries, fans of every team can come together to support one of their own in the face of tragedy.
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