DEPTFORD TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — It’s been 13 months since beloved hockey brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by an alleged drunk driver in Oldmans Township – just one day before their sister Katie’s wedding.
“There are some good days. More bad days than good,” said their father, Guy Gaudreau.
The brothers were struck and killed on Aug. 29, 2024. Since then, the Gaudreau family has leaned on memories – and new milestones – to cope with their grief. John’s son, Carter, and Matty’s son, Tripp, were born after the crash.
RELATED | Gaudreau brothers’ widows speak about heartbreak nearly a year after losing husbands in fatal crash
“I look at them and feel like they look so much like their dads,” said their mother, Jane Gaudreau. “At times it makes me smile. I’m so happy. And then sometimes it makes me sad because I think of everything they’re going to miss, and also for both their wives.”
Guy Gaudreau promised his sons he would return to the ice to coach their children.
“Hopefully, I can make them proud and make their kids love the game of hockey the way they did. That’s what keeps me going,” he said.
In July, Katie walked down the aisle with photos of her brothers close by.
“For my wedding, I knew I wanted to include them as much as possible in every moment, big and small,” she said.
RELATED | Gaudreau Family 5K raises more than $500,000 for accessible playground at special education school
Amid the heartbreak, the Gaudreaus are continuing John and Matty’s legacy of helping others.
“For us, that makes us feel good because we feel like we’re continuing the boys’ legacy,” said Jane. “They loved athletics. They loved children. And they loved animals.”
The family held their first 5K fundraiser and raised more than $500,000 to help build an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School, where Jane and their sister Kristen work – and where the brothers once volunteered and fundraised.
SEE ALSO | Judge denies motions in case of man accused of killing Gaudreau brothers
“I’ll see their names every day,” said Kristen.
“This playground and doing things in the boys’ honor is truly what saved our parents,” added Katie.
The Gaudreaus say they’ve found new purpose in their pain.
“I know they knew how loved they were. I’m hoping they can hear us. I’m hoping they can see everything we’re doing in their honor. I just hope they’re proud of us,” said Jane.
READ MORE | Father of Gaudreau brothers throws first pitch at Phillies game ahead of family 5k event
Family, friends and community members will gather this Saturday to help build the playground. Volunteers are welcome.
The Gaudreaus also thanked the hockey world and beyond for their support.
“It was almost like the community was one big warm hug that embraced us and said, ‘What can we do to help you?'” Jane said.
They plan to hold a second 5K next year and get involved in youth hockey as another way to honor Johnny and Matty.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
