Johnny Gaudreau’s junior team is set to honor him by retiring his jersey number during a special ceremony this weekend, which will also pay tribute to his late brother, Matthew.
The Dubuque Fighting Saints, part of the United States Hockey League, will raise Gaudreau’s No. 8 to the rafters on Saturday. Family members, including their parents, Guy and Jane, as well as sisters Katie and Kristen, and Johnny’s widow, Meredith, are expected to attend the event at the arena located in eastern Iowa.
“Recognizing Johnny with this honor is a reflection of his significant contributions to the team, as well as the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his and his brother’s passing,” said Peter Luukko, part owner of the Fighting Saints. He noted that Gaudreau was among the top players in the team’s history.
Tragically, both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau lost their lives on August 29 after being struck by an SUV while cycling on a New Jersey road near their hometown of Carneys Point. The driver facing charges linked to their deaths recently pleaded not guilty, having rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence.
Gaudreau’s No. 8, which he wore during his time with Dubuque, marks a significant milestone as it will be the first number retired in the franchise’s history. During the 2010-11 season, he emerged as the squad’s leading scorer and was instrumental in securing the Clark Cup, the USHL championship.
“The inaugural team was built around players with strong hockey intelligence and a competitive spirit, complemented by solid family backgrounds,” commented Jim Montgomery, who coached the Fighting Saints prior to his stints at other major hockey programs. “Johnny embodied all those attributes and was a remarkably talented player from an exceptional family. Retiring his number is completely warranted.”
Brad Kwong, managing partner of the Fighting Saints, expressed hope that Gaudreau’s jersey would serve as motivation for aspiring hockey players in the arena, particularly those representing the Fighting Saints. “His passion for the game and unwavering spirit will always be felt here,” Kwong stated.
The ceremony will also feature USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan, who will announce the establishment of the Gaudreau Award, designed to recognize a player who reflects the excellence, competitive spirit, and kindness exemplified by Johnny and Matthew. Additionally, proceeds from a 50/50 drawing during the game against the Sioux City Musketeers will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, which aims to support an adaptive playground for children with disabilities in South Jersey.
Luukko emphasized the importance of community and remembrance. “We need to support one another and hold onto the memories of those who have come before us, be it veterans of the sport or the tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers,” he remarked, highlighting the tight-knit nature of their hockey community.
In 2018, Johnny Gaudreau became a minority owner of the Dubuque Fighting Saints as part of a group known as Saints4Life Acquisitions LLC, which includes figures such as Luukko, NHL player Zemgus Girgensons, and renowned coach Dan Bylsma.
