Updated: February 23, 2026
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” captured hearts on and off the ice. While fans often search for details about Johnny Gaudreau girlfriend or his romantic life, the truth is that he found his forever love in Meredith Gaudreau, his devoted wife. Their story is one of deep love, family joy, and heartbreaking loss, yet it continues to inspire through resilience and remembrance. As we reflect in 2026, especially after the emotional tributes at the recent Winter Olympics, let’s dive into who Meredith is and the beautiful life they built together.
Table of Contents
Who Is Meredith Gaudreau?
Meredith Gaudreau isn’t just known as Johnny’s wife—she’s a strong, compassionate woman who stood by him through his NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames. The couple met years before his rise to stardom and tied the knot in 2021 in a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family and friends.
Meredith has always been private yet supportive, cheering from the stands and sharing glimpses of their life on social media. After Johnny’s tragic passing, she has become a voice of grace, honoring his memory while raising their children. Her Instagram (@meredithgaudreau_) offers touching updates, from family moments to tributes that show her unwavering love.
Their Beautiful Love Story and Family Life
Johnny and Meredith’s relationship was the kind many dream of—built on mutual respect, shared values, and pure joy. They welcomed two children before 2024: daughter Noa Harper Gaudreau and son Johnny Edward Gaudreau (often called Johnny Jr.). In a sweet twist, Johnny helped pick his son’s birthday date around his travel schedule.
- Noa Harper Gaudreau — Now 3 years old, full of energy and often seen stealing hearts at events.
- Johnny Edward Gaudreau Jr. — Turned 2 on February 22, 2026, a date filled with special meaning.
- Carter Michael Gaudreau — Born April 1, 2025, seven months after Johnny’s death. He shares his middle name and even birth measurements with his dad (8lb 3oz, 20.5 inches), and Meredith often notes how much he looks like Johnny.
The family grew amid unimaginable grief, with Meredith announcing Carter’s arrival with love: “Another baby boy… He looks exactly like his daddy.”
Here’s a quick overview of their family:
| Family Member | Relation to Johnny | Birth/Notes | Current Age (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith Gaudreau | Wife | Married in 2021 | – |
| Noa Harper Gaudreau | Daughter | First child | 3 years |
| Johnny Edward Gaudreau Jr. | Son | Birthday chosen by Johnny | 2 years |
| Carter Michael Gaudreau | Son | Posthumous child, looks like dad | ~11 months |
This table highlights the beautiful family Johnny and Meredith created, now carried forward with strength.
The Tragic Loss That Shook the Hockey World
On August 29, 2024, tragedy struck when Johnny and his brother Matthew were killed in a biking accident in New Jersey, the night before their sister’s wedding. An alleged drunk driver hit them, ending two young lives far too soon. Johnny was just 31.
Meredith was seven months pregnant with their third child at the time. In a moving essay for The Players’ Tribune, she described the devastating moment she learned the news, sharing raw emotions that resonated with fans worldwide. On the first anniversary in 2025, she posted: “I have the best husband,” and noted being “one year closer to seeing” him again.
Despite the pain, Meredith has focused on healing and legacy, never shying away from keeping Johnny’s spirit alive.
Honoring Johnny’s Legacy in 2026
Meredith and the kids remain central to tributes honoring Johnny. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Team USA’s men’s hockey team carried his legacy to gold, defeating Canada in an emotional final on February 22—coinciding with Johnny Jr.’s birthday. Players like Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin brought Noa and Johnny Jr. onto the ice for the team photo, with Johnny’s jersey proudly displayed.
Meredith attended games with the children and Johnny’s parents, Guy and Jane. She shared: “Every day for you and our kids.” These moments show how Johnny’s influence endures—through family, hockey, and love.
Conclusion
Johnny Gaudreau’s life was about more than goals and assists; it was about the love he shared with Meredith and their growing family. Though searches for “Johnny Gaudreau girlfriend” lead back to his wife, the real story is one of enduring partnership and strength in adversity. Meredith continues to raise their three children with grace, ensuring Johnny’s joy, kindness, and “Johnny Hockey” spirit live on.
In a world that moves fast, their story reminds us to cherish every moment. Rest in peace, Johnny—your family and fans carry your light forward every day.