Photo Courtesy of the USHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/76748859-0938-491d-9ba1-1c0c613d41e3.jpeg] Photo Courtesy of the USHL Sioux Fall Stampede forward Ethan Wyttenbach will forever be linked to the trivia question, “Who was the first winner of the USHL Gaudreau Award?” On Saturday, USHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/]President and Commissioner Glenn Hefferan announced the 5-foot-10, 101-pound Wyttenbach as the first recipient of The Gaudreau Award, a yearly honor bestowed upon the player in the USHL who best embodies the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny and Matthew’s parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau, joined Hefferan in Sioux Falls to present the honor named after Johnny (Dubuque Fighting Saints, 2010-11) and Matthew (Omaha Lancers, 2011-13), who made a lasting impact on their family, friends and countless fans. Ethan Wyttenbach is the first recipient of the annual Gaudreau Award. The award criteria are grounded in the personal and professional lives of the Gaudreau brothers, combining elements of on-ice excellence with joy, enthusiasm, care and responsibility. “Johnny and Matthew left an immeasurable impact on the communities where they lived and played,” Hefferan said in a news release following the announcement. “As a New Jersey native, I had the privilege of watching them grow up in our hockey community, with Guy behind the bench and Jane cheering proudly in the stands. They were not only exceptional players and teammates but, most importantly, extraordinary people. “Their love for the game was only surpassed by their love for their families. As devoted husbands to Meredith and Madeline and loving fathers to their beautiful children, they led with the same integrity, passion, and humility they brought to the rink. This award was created to honor their legacy and to serve as a shining example of excellence, character, and heart both on and off the ice." Wyttenbach certainly embodied those qualities this past season. Despite being sidelined by a lower-body injury in February, Wyttenbach rebounded to help lead the Stampede [https://sfstampede.com/]in scoring, showcasing his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Photo Courtesy of the USHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d48aba0d-e336-4bc5-ae39-f4625a8ec190.jpeg] Photo Courtesy of the USHL Selected for the 2025 Chipotle All-American Game and ranked 222nd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft, Wyttenbach’s on-ice performance has been impressive. Beyond that, however, Wyttenbach has made a commitment to serve the Sioux Falls community. Prior to his injury, he led the team in community service hours. On top of being a mentor to his younger brother and local youth hockey players, Ethan filled food bags at Feeding South Dakota, served dinners at the St. Francis House and rung bells for The Salvation Army. He made school visits and assisted at youth practices after his own. In addition to his on-ice achievements and community engagements, Wyttenbach’s personal commitment to family is evident in his daily interactions. Whether it is ensuring his younger brother is included in team activities or offering unwavering support during challenging times, he personifies humility and generosity.
