Meredith Gaudreau shared her response to Sean Monahan writing Johnny — Meredith Gaudreau responds to Sean Monahan for writing Johnny's initials on his hockey stick (Credit: IG @meredithgaudreau_)

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith showers love upon "role model and best friend" Sean Monahan for heartwarming tribute

Modified Oct 31, 2024 17:51 GMT

On Thursday, Meredith Gaudreau, wife of late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, praised Sean Monahan for his touching tribute. She reshared a photo of Monahan’s hockey stick with Gaudreau’s initials “JG” written on it.

Monahan has added Gaudreau’s initials to all his sticks to honor his friend. This tribute is meaningful for Monahan and Meredith, as it keeps Gaudreau’s memory alive.

Meredith thanked Monahan with the caption:

"Love you Muncy. John's role model and best friend. His brother, they were absolute butt buddies."

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in a bike crash on Aug. 29 in New Jersey. They were in town to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding. While biking, a driver named Sean M. Higgins who was under the influence hit them. He was charged with two counts of death by auto.

Monahan and Gaudreau were teammates with the Calgary Flames for many years. When Monahan joined the Columbus Blue Jackets, they were going to play together again after years. He has been in touch with Johnny and his family all these years.

On Oct. 14, Meredith shared a photo of Monahan holding her baby, Johnny, on Instagram. Monahan was wearing a hoodie with “Gaudreau” written on it.

"Uncle Muncy with the special touch for baby Johnny," Meredith captioned the picture.

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Monahan also received the Blue Jackets’ new “donkey” cap, which honors Johnny Gaudreau. The cap has a “13” patch for Gaudreau’s jersey number. Monahan feels supported by his teammates and continues to honor Gaudreau’s memory through his gestures.

Sean Monahan pointed toward Johnny Gaudreau's banner after scoring in the home opener

The Columbus Blue Jackets honored Johnny Gaudreau by raising his number 13 to the rafters before their home opener. Meredith Gaudreau had shared emotional Instagram stories about Sean Monahan.

“John is so freaking proud of Sean. For being there for me and our kids and being a part of this team. Showing up everyday with a smile, working hospitality but off,” Meredith wrote in her story per SK.

The Blue Jackets played the Florida Panthers that night. Meredith reposted Monahan's goal-scoring moment, writing, “For his brother,”.

The Blue Jackets honored Johnny by leaving his left-wing spot empty, observing a 13-second silence, and showing a video montage of his life.

The banner which reads "JOHNNY GAUDREAU 1993-2024" was raised in the Nationwide Arena, Columbus.

All players wore Gaudreau’s number 13 jerseys during warmups. Meredith walked onto the ice with their children as the crowd chanted "Johnny Hockey." Sean Monahan stood beside her, holding their seven-month-old son, Johnny.