The Florida Panthers have made an incredible gesture to the Gaudreau family who are still in mourning after the loss of their sons Johnny and Matthew last summer.
The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K event took place in New Jersey has the honor both players and their legacies where they learned that the Florida Panthers had joined them virtually and held their own branch of the 5K event.
Strong ties between the Gaudreau family and the Panthers
Both the Panthers and the Gaudreau family have strong ties to one another as several players including star forward Matthew Tkachuk had played together with Johnny back in their days with the Calgary Flames.
It was a selfless act by the organization, and they recognize that this was a critical moment to help recognize these great players and how they were willing to put their Stanley Cup preparations aside to help a great cause.
The Gaudreau Family 5k raised money for an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School, a special needs school in Westville, New Jersey, where Jane Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew's mother, is a finance associate. Kristen, the family's oldest daughter, has worked at the school for over a decade, and Johnny and Matthew volunteered there as teens. - Dan O'Leary
Gaudreau brothers' deaths coming up to one year anniversary
The tragedy of losing both Johnny and Matt Gaudreau stunned the hockey world Let alone everyone else as they were killed by an impaired drunk driver while preparing to attend their sisters wedding on August 31st, 2024.
Throughout the season, the NHL along with many other aspects of the hockey world had mourned the loss of both men and gave stunning tributes.