Heartfelt ‘Happy Birthday’ Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau’s Son at Blue Jackets Game
So, here’s a heartwarming moment that’s got everyone feeling all the feels. At a recent Columbus Blue Jackets game, the crowd took a break from the usual cheering and booing to serenade one very special little guy—Johnny Gaudreau’s son—on his first birthday. Yep, you heard that right! On February 22, the Nationwide Arena erupted into a delightful rendition of “Happy Birthday,” while the adorable toddler clapped along with pure joy displayed across the jumbotron.
The celebration isn’t just a random flex; it’s a tribute loaded with emotional weight considering little Johnny’s father, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, passed away in a tragic bike accident in August 2024. Gaudreau had played two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, making the team’s support for his family all the more poignant. As fans joined in the birthday chorus, you could see the emotional floodgates breaking—not just for the family but also for the community that felt the loss of Johnny Gaudreau together.
Adding to the moment, just days earlier, during the USA-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, fans had chanted “Johnny Hockey!” in his honor, underlining the lasting impact he had in the sport. His widow, Meredith Gaudreau, shared her appreciation of the touching arena moment on social media, expressing how emotional it was and how she looks forward to sharing these memories with her children in the future.
Meredith, who is currently pregnant with her third child and has a 2-year-old daughter named Noa, continues to embrace the support of the hockey community throughout this challenging journey. She announced her pregnancy during her late husband’s memorial service, reflecting on how they cherished their last months together as a family of four. A joint baby shower held recently with other hockey wives showcased the close-knit community rallying around her, and pictures shared online showed moments of joy, decoration, and camaraderie.
Tragedy may have struck, but love and community spirit shine through, showing that while Johnny may be gone, his legacy—and the love for his family—will live on in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, ABC News, ESPN
