Updated: February 23, 2026
The hockey world lost one of its brightest stars when Johnny Gaudreau, the beloved NHL forward known as “Johnny Hockey,” passed away tragically in August 2024. At just 31, he left behind his devoted wife, Meredith Gaudreau, and their young family. Many searches for “Johnny Gaudreau ex wife” stem from confusion or curiosity, but the truth is clear: Meredith was his only wife, his lifelong partner, and now his widow. There has never been an ex-wife in Johnny’s story. This post explores Meredith’s strength, their beautiful family life, and how she’s honoring his memory today.
Table of Contents
Who Is Meredith Gaudreau?
Meredith Gaudreau (née Morris) met Johnny in the summer of 2018 in New Jersey, where she worked as a pediatric ICU nurse. Their connection was instant, blossoming into a deep, private romance away from the spotlight. They got engaged after two years of dating and tied the knot on September 4, 2021, in a heartfelt church ceremony.
Meredith has always been the steady force behind Johnny’s high-energy career. With a master’s in pediatric nursing, she balanced her professional life while supporting his journey from the Calgary Flames to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fans admired how she kept things grounded—rarely in the public eye except for big moments like family announcements.
Their love story was one of quiet joy: simple dates, family time, and building a future together. Johnny often spoke about how family came first, and Meredith embodied that perfectly.
The Tragic Loss That Changed Everything
On August 29, 2024, tragedy struck when Johnny and his brother Matthew were killed in a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. An alleged drunk driver hit them the night before their sister’s wedding. The news devastated the hockey community and beyond.
Meredith was seven months pregnant with their third child at the time. In her emotional eulogy at the memorial service, she revealed the pregnancy, sharing that Johnny would have been an incredible father to their newest addition. She described the “indescribable” shock of learning the news, feeling “keeled over for days” from grief.
In heartfelt essays and interviews—like one for The Players’ Tribune—she opened up about that devastating day. Johnny had made breakfast for their kids, hung out with the family, and packed the car for the wedding trip. It was supposed to be a great day. Instead, it became the moment everything changed.
Their Growing Family: Three Beautiful Children
Johnny and Meredith built a loving home with three children who continue to carry his spirit:
- Noa Harper Gaudreau (born September 2022) – Now 3 years old, she’s full of energy and often featured in family tributes.
- Johnny Gaudreau Jr. (born February 2024) – Turning 2 on February 22, 2026, his birthday aligned poignantly with recent events.
- Carter Michael Gaudreau (born April 1, 2025) – Their third child, born seven months after Johnny’s passing. Carter’s middle name honors Johnny (whose middle name was Michael), and Meredith noted he weighed and measured exactly like his dad at birth.
Meredith has shared how she keeps Johnny present: playing old videos, showing photos, and telling the kids their dad is in heaven. She’s focused on joy amid the pain, ensuring the children know how loved they are.
Here’s a quick overview of the family:
| Family Member | Relation to Johnny | Birth Year | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith Gaudreau | Wife (Widow) | N/A | Pediatric nurse; married 2021; strong advocate for his legacy |
| Noa Harper Gaudreau | Daughter | 2022 | 3 years old; joined family at 2026 Olympics tribute |
| Johnny Gaudreau Jr. | Son | 2024 | Turned 2 on Feb 22, 2026; celebrated during Team USA gold win |
| Carter Michael Gaudreau | Son | 2025 | Born post-loss; middle name honors Johnny; shares birth stats with dad |
Honoring Johnny’s Legacy in 2026
Meredith’s resilience shines through. On the one-year anniversary of Johnny’s death (August 29, 2025), she posted a touching message: “One year closer to seeing you again.” She’s spoken openly about grief in interviews, including with ABC News alongside Matthew’s widow, Madeline.
Recently, at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Team USA honored Johnny profoundly. After winning gold against Canada (2-1 in overtime), players held up his No. 13 jersey and invited Noa and Johnny Jr. onto the ice for photos. Meredith attended with the kids and Johnny’s parents, Guy and Jane. She called it “fun to be a part of,” feeling like Johnny “did make the team.”
The family has also established The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation to keep their legacies alive.
Conclusion: A Story of Enduring Love
Meredith Gaudreau isn’t an “ex-wife”—she was and remains Johnny’s wife in every meaningful way. Her journey from joyful partner to grieving widow to devoted single mom is inspiring. Through unimaginable loss, she’s chosen love, remembrance, and strength for their three young children.
Johnny’s legacy lives on—not just in hockey stats or Olympic tributes, but in the family he cherished most. Meredith continues to honor him daily, proving that true love doesn’t end with goodbye. Our hearts go out to her and the kids as they navigate life forward.
If you’re a fan or just someone touched by this story, remember: it’s okay to grieve, to celebrate, and to keep moving with love at the center.