The Gaudreau family is honoring the memory of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew with a new adaptive playground for children with special needs at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey.
Dedicated this week, the playground is named "The Gaudreau Brothers' Wings of Hope & Chrysalis Corner." Funds were raised through the Gaudreau Family 5K, which covered 98% of the cost.
Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., on April 7, 2024. (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Johnny and Matthew were killed on August 29, 2024, when an alleged drunk driver struck them while they were riding bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Johnny spent nearly a decade with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets. Matthew played at Boston College and professionally in the AHL and ECHL.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Men's Hockey team honored Johnny after winning Olympic gold in Milan, posing for photos with his No. 13 jersey and his children.
United States ice hockey players celebrate with a team photo while holding Johnny Gaudreau's jersey after defeating Canada in the men's gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on Feb. 22, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
The accused driver, Sean M. Higgins, faces six charges including two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter. A motion to dismiss some charges was denied; the next court date is June 16.