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The deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were an unimaginable tragedy, but their family is ensuring they continue to do much good in their name.
This week, the Gaudreau family helped create a new adaptive playground for children with special needs at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey.
The name of the playing field? “The Wings of Hope and the Chrysalis Corner by the Gaudreau brothers”.
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“When the sign was unveiled, all I thought about was the boys, how they would be so excited to see this,” the brothers’ mother, Jane Gaudreau, said, according to NHL.com. “This school has been a part of our family for so long. I am so proud that the playground is named in their honor.”
The playground was built with funds raised by La Famille Gaudreau 5K. The first annual event took place last year, while the second took place last month.
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Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 7, 2024. (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Gaudreau said the event raised “98 percent” of the funds needed to build the playground, which was supplemented by community construction.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey in August 2024.
At the time, Gaudreau was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets after spending nearly a decade with the Calgary Flames. Meanwhile, Matthew had played college hockey at Boston College, just like his brother, and went on to play in the AHL and ECHL.
Gaudreau was honored earlier this year at the Milan Olympics when the U.S. men’s hockey team — which he was likely a part of — won gold. The team took post-game photos with a number 13 jersey as well as Gaudreau’s children.
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United States ice hockey players celebrate with a team photo while holding Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey after beating Canada in the men’s gold medal game at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, February 22, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
Sean M. Higgins, the man accused of killing the Gaudreaus, faces six counts, including two of first-degree aggravated manslaughter.
According to ESPN, a motion to dismiss some of the charges was denied last month and Higgins’ next court date is scheduled for June 16.
