Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith drops two-word reaction to late husband's jersey retirement ceremony in Dubuque

Late Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey will be retired by the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Saturday during their game against the Sioux City Musketeers. Gaudreau’s #8 jersey will be raised to the rafters to honor his time with the team. He led the Saints to a Clark Cup championship in 2011 and later became a part-owner. The ceremony will also honor Johnny’s late brother, Matthew, who passed away alongside him.

B/R Open Ice shared the news on X (formerly Twitter). Johnny’s wife, Meredith, responded with a simple message expressing her support for the tribute.

She wrote, “Love you” on X.

The ceremony will be held in Dubuque, Iowa. Johnny’s parents, Guy and Jane, his sisters, Katie and Kristen, and his wife, Meredith, are expected to attend. Fighting Saints part-owner Peter Luukko spoke about the honor, saying Gaudreau was one of the best players in team history.

“It was an honor befitting of his contribution to the organization and also obviously the sad circumstances that happened,” Luukko told The AP News over the phone, “He was one of the better players in the history of the team.”

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragically passed away on Aug. 29 after being hit by an SUV while riding bikes. The driver was charged but pleaded not guilty. Johnny’s #8 jersey will be the first number the Dubuque Fighting Saints will retire. During his time with the Saints in the 2010-11 season, Johnny Gaudreau was the leading scorer and helped the team win the Clark Cup.

Jim Montgomery praised Johnny Gaudreau's hockey skills

Jim Montgomery coached the Dubuque Fighting Saints for three seasons before moving to college and NHL coaching roles. He has coached the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, and currently, the St. Louis Blues.

"When we were assembling the team that first year, we looked for players with a high hockey IQ and compete level who came from good families,” Montgomery said about Johnny Gaudreau, “Johnny was the epitome of those qualities. He was a uniquely gifted player who came from an equally special family."

Montogomery said it made sense for the Fighting Saints to retire Johnny Gaudreau’s number:

"It’s only fitting that the Fighting Saints retire his number as no other player could be his equal.”

At the ceremony, USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan will announce the creation of the Gaudreau Award. The award will honor players who show excellence in hockey and the spirit of the game, like Johnny and Matthew.