"Learned a lot from him": Johnny Gaudreau's widow Meredith reacts to Brad Richardson's touching remembrance of ex-Flames star

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 22, 2024 04:27 GMT

Meredith, Johnny Gaudreau's widow, thanked former NHL player Brad Richardson for his touching tribute to her late husband. On Monday, Missin Curfew Podcast shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) where Richardson honored Gaudreau and talked about their time together in Calgary.

He remembered their close friendship and how their lockers were next to each other.

“You know how that is your stall buddy,” Richardson said. “You talk a lot. You get to know each other pretty quick.”

Richardson’s words highlighted Gaudreau's passion for hockey as he called Gaudreau a unique player who brought special energy to the game.

Richardson shared a memory from Gaudreau’s first game, where he initially doubted the new player, calling him a “little runt.” After Johnny Gaudreau scored that night, Richardson realized that he was special.

“Just watching him grow and mature ... he was just special to be around,” he said.

Meredith responded on X, recalling a moment from a Super Bowl party. Richardson once said,

“It’s hard to have a bad day in the NHL.”

This phrase stuck with her and Johnny. She said that it resonated with them daily and showed how they learned from Richardson’s positivity.

“Brad probably doesn’t remember even saying that to us at our team Super Bowl party but it’s something that stuck with John and I every day since. Learned a lot from him. Love u and Jess,” she added.

Richardson's tribute and Meredith's response show how much Johnny Gaudreau meant to those around him.

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Jane Gaudreau thanks hockey community for support after Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew's tragic deaths

On Sunday, Jane Gaudreau thanked the hockey community for their support after her sons' deaths. Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau died in August when a suspected drunk driver hit them in New Jersey just before their sister's wedding.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jane thanked the Columbus Blue Jackets, Worcester Railers and Reading Royals for their tributes. Before their season opener on Oct. 16, the Blue Jackets honored the brothers by showing their jerseys, Johnny’s #13 and Matthew’s #21.

Jane appreciated the love from Columbus during the difficult time.

"Thank you to the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, the players, their families, and the entire city of Columbus. The love and support you’ve shown for John, Matty, and our family have helped us through the most difficult time of our lives," she tweeted.

She also thanked the Railers and the Royals and shared memories of watching Matthew play.

The Railers honored him by leaving an empty space on the ice and displaying Matthew's jersey during their game.