Jane Gaudreau, mother of Matthew and Johnny, gives heartfelt response to fans on social media

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Graham Montgomery
October 20, 2024 (10:59 PM)

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Jane Gaudreau, mother of Johnny and Matthew, released a statement on X today thanking fans for the outpouring of support since the beginning of the regular season.

Just a little less than two months ago the hockey world suffered a massive loss as Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were both struck and killed by a drunk driver in New Jersey. The tragedy was felt by fans across the world as they have coped with this senseless and brutal reality. Now that the 2024-25 NHL season is under way, many are going through that pain all over again as the Blue Jackets continue their season with one of their star players.

Johnny meant so much to so many around the hockey world and that became even more clear after he passed away. Just as one example, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield changed his number to 13 in honor of the former Flame and Blue Jacket. Johnny hockey meant a little bit more to Caufield as the two of them were among the shortest players in the league, with Cole standing at just 5'6". The short king has apparently been channeling Johnny's energy this year as he has had a historic start to his season, potting six goals in six games with his new number.

Now, Johnny and Matthew's mother Jane has finally had time to make a statement responding to the fans who have reached out. She made two posts on X thanking the fans and the Blue Jackets. It was heartbreaking all over again as she specifically drew attention to Matthew, who of course, was far less known around the hockey world as he never got into a regular-season NHL game.

Moving on without Johnny and Matthew has certainly been painful and hard for many, but no one has felt it more than Jane and her family, who lost two loved ones at the same time, a tragedy most of us will never experience. Once again, all of here at HouseofHockey would like to express our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family. Rest in peace Johnny and Matthew.