The yearly honor will be bestowed upon the player in the league who best embodies the legacy of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Saturday night was an emotional one for all those in attendance at ImOn Arena in Dubuque, as the Fighting Saints held a remembrance night for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
The two brothers died tragically in a biking accident last summer, and the team retired Johnny’s No. 8 in a special pre-game ceremony honoring the Gaudreau family.
During the ceremony, USHL President and Commissioner Glenn Hefferan formally announced the introduction of The Gaudreau Award, a yearly honor bestowed upon the player in the league who best embodies the legacy of both Johnny and Matthew.
“May this Legacy Award serve as the standard for performance and character both on and off the ice, characteristics the Gaudreau family has instilled both in Matty and Johnny,” Hefferan told the sellout crowd during the ceremony while presenting the award. “To the Gaudreau family, (we’ll) forever hold Johnny and Matthew in our hearts.”
Johnny (Dubuque Fighting Saints, 2010-11) and Matthew (Omaha Lancers, 2011-13) made a lasting impact on their family, friends and countless fans. The award criteria are grounded in the personal and professional lives of the Gaudreau brothers, combining elements of on-ice play with joy, enthusiasm, care and responsibility.
Winners of the award will be selected according to the following qualities:
Excellence in Hockey
“Johnny Hockey” was among the most electrifying players in the sport, known for his skill, creativity and love of the game.
Before becoming a seven-time NHL All-Star and winner of the Hobey Baker Award, Johnny won USHL Rookie of the Year and helped the Dubuque Fighting Saints win the Clark Cup in their inaugural season.
Matthew played two USHL seasons with the Omaha Lancers before joining Johnny at Boston College. After four years of college hockey, Matthew embarked on a six-year professional career in the AHL, ECHL and overseas.
Spirit of the Game
Former teammates and coaches often speak of the joy Johnny and Matthew brought to the game. Johnny’s joyous leadership and enthusiasm were infectious. Matthew’s humor helped ease tense moments. Both had unwavering support for their teammates. The award will be given to a player who shows similar qualities, serving as a role model and source of positivity within their team.
Care and Responsibility
The Gaudreau brothers were known for their humility and generosity. Their kindness was magnetic. In addition to loving and supporting their families, Johnny and Matthew cared deeply for their communities.
As a beloved figure in the broader hockey community, Johnny made a committed effort to connect with fans at every stop along the way. He became a minority owner of the Fighting Saints in 2018.
Matthew was loved for his ability to connect with people and make a difference. After retiring from a six-year professional career, he began coaching at his high school alma mater.
The player honored with the Gaudreau Award will be someone known for their integrity, humility, and ability to bring people together through volunteer work, mentorship or fan engagement.
Selection Process
Each team shall nominate one player from their team who embodies the traits and attributes of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The team captain (or alternate) shall be responsible for detailing why their team is making the nomination and presenting it for consideration to its general manager. Upon the league's selection of three finalists, each coach, in conjunction with their team, shall cast one vote.
The award will be presented during the final regular season game of the winner’s team.