(Header/feature image courtesy of Danny Wild-Imagn Images)
On a gray Saturday morning in Sewell, New Jersey, the skies wept gently over Washington Lake Park. The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K was set to begin, a heartfelt tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau—two brothers whose lives were tragically cut short in August 2024.
As families and friends gathered, a rainbow pierced through the clouds, casting a vibrant arc over the park. For many, it was a sign that the Gaudreau brothers were indeed present, smiling down on the community that had come together to honor their memory.
Over 2,400 participants, both in-person and virtual, joined the event to celebrate the lives of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," had a storied NHL career with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew, also an accomplished hockey player, shared his brother's passion for the sport and had moved into coaching roles. Their untimely deaths left a gaping void in the hockey world and their local community.
The 5K event was more than a race; it was a testament to the brothers' enduring legacy. Proceeds from the event were dedicated to building an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey—a cause close to the Gaudreau family's heart. Jane Gaudreau, the brothers' mother, works at the school, and both Johnny and Matthew had volunteered there during their youth. The playground project symbolizes the family's tireless commitment to turning grief into purpose, ensuring that children with special needs have a place to play and grow.
The event drew notable figures from the hockey community. Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk attended in person, reflecting on the brothers' impact: "You just see the support from this community and from other players as well that are here and traveled in. It just says a lot about Johnny, Matty, their legacy and this family as a whole, how much support they have because they’re such amazing people."
Former Senators player Buddy Robinson, who attended Gloucester Catholic High School like the Gaudreau brothers, also participated, highlighting the deep roots the family has in the local community. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson and forward Zach Aston-Reese, along with New York Islanders defenseman and South Jersey native Tony DeAngelo, showed their support, underscoring the brothers' widespread influence.
Even the Florida Panthers team joined virtually, initiated by Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk, Johnny's former Calgary Flames teammate.
The event was not only about remembrance but also about community and healing. Families participated in the race, children enjoyed the Kids Dash, and attendees engaged in various activities, including face painting, yoga, and performances by the All Star Dance group. The presence of the Phillie Phanatic and famed Flyers national anthem performer Lauren Hart added a touch of local flair, bringing smiles to faces young and old.
The Gaudreau Family 5K was more than a memorial; it was a celebration of life, love, and community. It highlighted the profound impact Johnny and Matthew had on those around them and the enduring legacy they leave behind. As the rainbow faded and the sun shone brightly over Washington Lake Park, it was clear that their spirits would continue to inspire and unite.
In the words of Jane Gaudreau, upon seeing the rainbow: "I was so relieved. I was like, 'Well, there's my sign.'"
The Gaudreau family's journey from tragedy to purpose serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and the healing power of community. Their commitment to honoring Johnny and Matthew's memory through acts of kindness and service ensures that their legacy will endure for generations to come.
In the face of loss, the Gaudreau family's unwavering dedication to turning grief into positive action stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of the Gaudreau brothers' shining legacies, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire well into the future.