Hockey star Johnny Gaudreau’s life was tragically cut short, but his legacy lives on through his wife and parents who have been through unfathomable journeys of grief and resilience in the wake of his passing. When the U.S. men’s ice hockey team won Olympic gold with a victorious overtime goal against Canada, Johnny Gaudreau’s parents were in the stadium stands watching Team USA win during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Here’s what to know about Johnny Gaudreau’s parents.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Parents Welcomed Four Children Together
GettyMatthew Gaudreau #21 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Harvard Crimson during the third period of the 2015 Beanpot Tournament consolation game at TD Garden on February 23, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Johnny Gaudreau was born on August 13, 1993 to parents Guy and Jane Gaudreau. The family lived in Salem, New Jersey at the time, and two years after Johnny was born Jane and Guy welcomed another son, Matthew Gaudreau.
Guy and Jane also have two daughters who survive their late brothers.
They Cultivated a Love of Hockey Within Their Family
GettyUS team members stand with the jersey number 13 of late US ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau the medal ceremony after winning the men’s gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in August 2024 after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey.
Guy Gaudreau, Johnny’s father, was a formative influence on his hockey career from the very beginning, as well as the hockey career of his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. Guy grew up playing hockey in his home state of Vermont, then went on to play hockey at the collegiate level for Norwich University.
While raising his sons in southern New Jersey, Guy served as a hockey coach for more than 10 years at Gloucester Catholic High School. Guy Gaudreau also managed the Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, NJ and his commitment to life on the ice served as the foundation for what would become both Johnny’s and Matthew’s professional NHL careers.
Guy and Jane Gaudreau Tragically Lost Both of Their Sons at the Same Time
GettyBoone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets speaks about his memories of teammate Johnny Gaudreau #13 during a candlelight vigil in remembrance of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at Nationwide Arena on September 4, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
August 29, 2024 was meant to be a night of celebration for Jane and Guy Gaudreau as they were preparing for their daughter’s wedding in Oldsman Township, New Jersey. Instead, the evening became a living nightmare for the family when both Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were suddenly killed when they were struck by an SUV while they were out cycling. In one horrific moment, Guy and Jane Gaudreau lost both of their sons.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Parents Were in the Olympic Arena When Team USA Beat Canada 2-1 in Overtime
GettyGold medallists USA’s players celebrate during the medals ceremony of the men’s ice hockey event at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026.
After the Americans won the gold medal in the Olympic ice hockey final, Johnny Gaudreau’s parents helped his wife, Meredith Gaudreau, pass their two young grandchildren onto the ice for the very first photographs taken of Team USA as gold medalists after their historic win. His father, Guy Gaudreau, and his mother, Jane Gaudreau, were there as their late son was paid tribute immediately after the buzzer by the U.S. men’s hockey team holding up a jersey embroidered with Johnny Gaudreau’s name and number 13 on the back – with USA on the front. The moment was witnessed by the world with deeply felt emotions for Johnny’s family.
Meredith Gaudreau Praises Her In-Laws for Their Strength and Perseverance
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On her Instagram account, Meredith Gaudreau issued a personalized post on her stories with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the way her in-laws showed up to support her, their two young grandchildren, and to pay tribute to Johnny while vicariously supporting him through Team USA’s victory over Canada on the final day of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Alongside a video showing her mother-in-law holding one of her toddlers, Meredith Gaudreau captioned the post by saying, “So proud of my mother in law. Both her and pop pop my rock this weekend. Even when it’s incredibly hard for them.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s Family & Parents: Five Things You Need to Know