BROpenIce/X
As the NHL team faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks in a home matchup at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, Feb. 22, the crowd took a moment to celebrate little Johnny’s first birthday. In avideoshared on X, the arena full of fans can be heard joining together to sing “Happy Birthday” to the newly minted 1-year old.
His adorable reaction to the sweet tribute was captured on the jumbotron. While the late NHL star’s wife,Meredith Gaudreau, looked on with a big smile, a woman sitting next to her held up the couple’s son as he excitedly clapped his hands. Both women appeared emotional as the crowd finished the song with enthusiastic cheers for the birthday boy.
The tribute was especially poignant as Johnny played two seasons with the Blue Jackets after signing with the team in 2022.
Little Johnny was 7 months old whenhis father and uncle Matthew Gaudreau diedin a bike crash in New Jersey on Aug. 29, 2024, on the eve of their sisterKatie Gaudreau’s wedding. Meredith is currently expecting her and Johnny’s third child, and they also share 2-year-old daughter Noa.
Johnny Gaudreau’s son Johnny listens to the arena crowd singing ‘Happy Birthday’ on Feb. 22.BROpenIce/X
Saturday’s birthday tribute to 1-year-old Johnny comes just days after the crowd at the USA-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off championship game paid tribute to his late father. Amid the game on Thursday, Feb. 20, fans in the stands began to chant, “Johnny Hockey!”
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Meredith reacted to the touching moment in a post onXas she reshared an ESPN clip of the tribute. “So emotional hearing this all around me,” she wrote.
“Kept thinking how I can’t wait to show these videos to our kids one day,” she added.
Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau with their kids Johnny and Noa.Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
Meredith’s sister-in-law Katie also shared a post about the chants for her elder brother Johnny as she reflected on how he might have played for Team USA had he not died.
“A reminder of who should be here,” she captioned a Feb. 20 Instagram Stories snap in which she reshared a post from the New England Sports Network featuring a photo of Johnny’s No. 13 jersey on display behind glass.
“I saw first hand how hard John worked this summer with Matty and Dad on the ice,” Katie wrote. “This has been such a hard week because I know how bad he wanted to be playing tonight. Matty would have been John’s biggest support tonight. I love you both more than anything.”
Meredith and Johnny Gaudreau with their kids Johnny and Noa.Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
Meredith shared a series of photos of the celebration on social media, showing herself posing with guests and offering a glimpse of the decorations and treats.
The expectant mom announced her pregnancy during her late husband and brother-in-law Matthew’smemorial serviceback in September. “John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life,” she said during the service, according toABC News.
source: people.com
