Gaudreau has always been a household name for any family involved in the South Jersey hockey community. Those who frequented Hollydell Ice Arena knew who they were. Johnny Gaudreau, better known as “Johnny Hockey” was a diminutive, offensively dominant winger with an incredibly high skill level. Nearly everyone in the community could recall where they were when they found out he and his brother, Matty, unfortunately, passed away.
Hockey player Joey Rivera played with Guy Gaudreau and watched the Gaudreau brothers grow up in Hollydell. “Well it all started when I met their father Guy, when I ran the pro shop at the local rink. Hollydell wasn’t built yet and we would skate at the Coliseum in Voorhees.” Rivera said. Rivera had played with and against Guy in the men’s leagues. “He could go east to west just as fast as most guys could go straight. I see a lot of John’s moves came from his dad. “ Rivera said. Johnny had always been underestimated when he was young but put South Jersey on the map for hockey. Rivera said, “It was a few weeks before the Chicken For Charity event and Johnny looked at me and said ‘Don’t let my dad score on you.’”
Michael Wolk, head coach of the ice hockey team, also experienced playing with the Gaudreau family. “The Gaudreaus are legends of South Jersey ice hockey. A lot of people who skated at Hollydell watched Johnny and Matty grow up there.” Wolk said. Hollydell has made several moves to continue honoring their memory, including naming a rink after them. “This is devastating for not just the professional level, but also our community.” Wolk said, “They gave hope that South Jersey could produce not just college level athletes, but professional level athletes as well.” Even at a professional level, the NHL has done an amazing job at honoring the brothers. The league designed helmet decals to honor the brothers. Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadians changed his number to 13 this year, honoring Johnny. Wolk said, “Saying their names and telling their stories is the best way to keep their memory alive.”
Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s wife, had been married to Johnny for just about three years. “Everything was always John and Matty. Matty was the perfect brother. I know John would not have been able to live without him.” Gaudreau said. Johnny and Matty were to serve as groomsmen in the wedding of their sister, Katie. The wedding was supposed to occur on August 31st, but was ultimately moved to an unknown date. The Gaudreau family were faces that frequented Hollydell Ice Arena, as the brothers were almost always together. Gaudreau said, “Matty wanted everything for John, and all John wanted to do was share it with his brother…and they did.”
