A crowd of fans celebrated the late Johnny Gaudreau's 1-year-old son's birthday by singing Happy Birthday to him. The heartwarming incident occurred amid a hockey game between the Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks on February 22.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Infant Son Of Late Johnny Gaudreau Receives Birthday Tribute
When the camera panned to Johnny Gaudreau Jr. and his mother, Meredith Gaudreau, the crowd showered the infant with love. Learning that it was the boy's birthday, fans sang happy birthday, lending the family a sweet tribute.
The crowd at Nationwide Arena sang "Happy Birthday" to baby Johnny Gaudreau, who turns 1 today ?
This touching moment comes six months after Johnny, aged 31, and his brother Matthew, aged 29, died in a bike accident. While in their hometown for their sister's wedding, a drunk driver crashed into the brothers and killed them on site.
The tragedy on August 29 shook the nation, especially since Johnny Jr. was only seven months old when his father passed. This was also one day before their sister's wedding which they had to reschedule.
As the crowd serenaded the boy, he looked stunned on the jumbotron, clapping his hands in excitement. Since Johnny played two seasons for the Blue Jackets in 2022, the moment was even more touching.
This wasn't the only recent commemoration for the late hockey player. Just a few days before during the USA-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off, they gave a tribute to Johnny by chanting "Johnny Hockey!"
In response to this, Meredith made a post on X about how grateful she was. "So emotional hearing this all around me," she said. "Kept thinking how I can't wait to show these videos to our kids one day."
Meredith also posted a beautiful photo on Instagram of her and Johnny Jr. on his birthday in celebration of the big day. "'I can't believe you gave me a boy,' is all John said over and over again when baby Johnny arrived," Meredith wrote.
"Baby Johnny you are Mommy's rock and Noa's best friend. All of daddy's accomplishments don't compare to the pride and joy he had in being your father."
The mother also mentioned how excited she was to give him a "little sibling soon." Meredith had announced her pregnancy with her and Johnny's third child. They also share a 2-year-old daughter named Noa.
