WWE star Sami Zayn pays homage to late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau on RAW

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 10, 2024 16:45 GMT

WWE star Sami Zayn paid tribute to late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau on Monday Night RAW in Calgary, Canada. Zayn wore a Gaudreau jersey with his iconic #13 number while addressing Austrian wrestler Gunther. Zyan is continuing his push for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Zayn spoke on "RAW Talk" about how the night made him reflect on the time we have.

"It makes you think about the time you have here and what you do with it," Zayn said per Fox News.

Fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome also wore Gaudreau jerseys in his honor. WWE's Jackie Redmond, who works with the NHL Network, also paid her tribute.

A memorial service was held for the Gaudreau brothers earlier that day. Johnny's widow, Meredith, revealed she is nine weeks pregnant with their third child.

"John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," Meredith said, per BABC News. "There's specifically one week that I will cherish forever – it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We're actually a family of five. I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby."

Johnny Gaudreau, who last played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother, Matthew, died in a bike crash on Aug. 29. They were hit by a suspected drunk driver in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while in town for their sister's wedding. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was charged with two counts of death by auto. The investigation is ongoing.

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky's emotional tribe to Johnny Gaudreau

Previously, legend Wayne Gretzky expressed deep sadness over the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. He took to his social media pages and penned a message for the brothers after their unfortunate fatal accident.

"Janet, myself, and our entire family are devastated at this senseless tragedy," Gretzky wrote in his statement. "We are sending our love, thoughts, and prayers to the Gaudreau family. We lost two great young men who were loved and a huge presence both on and off the ice. Johnny and Matthew, you will always be remembered and missed."

Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," was a star NHL player. He played for the Calgary Flames before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. He leaves behind his wife, Meredith, two children, and an unborn child.

Matthew Gaudreau, a hockey player, coached at Gloucester Catholic High School. He is survived by his pregnant wife, Madeline.