Late hockey star Johnny Gaudreau's junior team is set to retire his jersey number during a ceremony this weekend, which will pay tribute to both Gaudreau and his late brother.
The Context
In August, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed in a crash near the Gaudreaus' childhood home in South Jersey just one day before their sister's wedding
Prosecutors allege the suspect, Sean M. Higgins, a married father of two and a combat veteran, was driving under the influence after consuming five to six beers. Witnesses described him as exhibiting road rage before his vehicle struck the brothers.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," had a storied NHL career, including eight seasons with the Calgary Flames and two with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, also played hockey at Boston College.
The case has drawn significant attention with an outpouring of grief from fans and loved ones of the two brothers.
What To Know
The Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL) will honor Johnny Gaudreau on Saturday by retiring his No. 8 jersey in a ceremony attended by his family, including his parents, Guy and Jane; his sisters, Katie and Kristen; and his widow, Meredith. The event will take place at the team's arena in eastern Iowa.
Gaudreau's No. 8 jersey—distinct from the No. 13 he famously wore at Boston College, as well as with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL and on the international stage representing Team USA—will become the first number retired in Dubuque Fighting Saints history. Gaudreau was the team's leading scorer during his lone season with the franchise in 2010-11, helping secure the Clark Cup as champions of the USHL.
USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan is also expected to attend the ceremony, where he will unveil the newly created Gaudreau Award, honoring a player who exemplifies Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's dedication to hockey excellence, love for the game, and sense of responsibility and care.
During the Fighting Saints' game against the Sioux City Musketeers, proceeds from the team's 50/50 raffle will be donated to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. The foundation plans to use the funds to build an adaptive playground for children with disabilities at a school in South Jersey.
In 2018, Johnny Gaudreau joined Saints4Life Acquisitions LLC as a minority owner of the Dubuque Fighting Saints. The ownership group includes notable names such as NHL player Zemgus Girgensons, Stanley Cup-winning coach Dan Bylsma and Peter Luukko.
What People Are Saying
While speaking with the Associated Press, Fighting Saints part owner Peter Luukko said: "It was an honor befitting of his contribution to the organization and also obviously the sad circumstances that happened...He was one of the better players in the history of the team."
Jim Montgomery, who spent three seasons behind the bench in Dubuque, later advanced to coaching roles with the University of Denver and in the NHL with the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, and his current team, the St. Louis Blues said: "When we were assembling the team that first year, we looked for players with a high hockey IQ and compete level who came from good families."
"Johnny was the epitome of those qualities. He was a uniquely gifted player who came from an equally special family. It's only fitting that the Fighting Saints retire his number as no other player could be his equal," Montgomery said.
In a statement, Managing partner Brad Kwong said that he hopes the hanging of Gaudreau's number "will be an inspiration to every young hockey player who plays in this arena and particularly to those players who suit up for the Fighting Saints. His enthusiastic spirit and love for the game will forever be present."
What's Next
Gaudreau's family is expected to be in attendance at the jersey ceremony.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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