Johnny Gaudreau's sister Katie pens emotional note recounting Christmas Eves spent in her late brothers

In a touching tribute on yet another Christmas without them, late NHLer Johnny Gaudreau’s sister Katie Gaudreau remembered her brothers Johnny and Matthew through a series of heartfelt Instagram stories shared on Christmas Eve.

Katie posted an emotional message recounting past Chritmas Eves and reflecting on the irreplaceable loss her family has experienced. The note read:

“Had a special one right when I needed it most. Thinking of the best childhood memories with us four. Manyyyyy Christmas Eves spent at mass, pizza for dinner, and making cookies for Santa.” “Then sleepover in the boys room, pushing the twin beds together and them making me sleep in the crack that was stuffed with blankets. Thankful for those memories. 🤍🤍🤍🤍”

Following the emotional note, Katie reshared throwback photos originally posted by her sister Kristen showing the four Gaudreau siblings together during happier holidays. One photo from seven years ago showed the siblings together in front of their family Christmas tree, while another from 14 years ago captured them as teenagers celebrating the season.

via Instagram/@kgaudreau13

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in August 2024 when the brothers were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on the eve of Katie's wedding to her high school sweetheart Devin Joyce.

The driver Sean M. Higgins has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident. He has pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal offering 35 years in prison. If convicted on all counts, Higgins faces up to 70 years in prison.

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Johnny Gaudreau's wife pays tribute to Matthew on what would have been his 31st birthday

Earlier this month, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith Guadreau shared a series of emotional Instagram stories paying tribute to her late brother-in-law Matthew Gaudreau on what would have been his 31st birthday.

The heartfelt stories featured personal family photos capturing special moments Matthew shared with the Gaudreau family before his tragic passing last year. One image showed Matthew in the stands at a hockey game smiling while holding food and helping to entertain the Gaudreau children.

“Happy birthday Noa’s godfather 🤎🥳 We love & miss you 🤍🤍 ”“Can’t wait to spend today with your favorites 💙💙,” she added.

Another tribute featured a wedding portrait of Meredith and Johnny with Matthew standing beside the couple in a tuxedo.

Matthew Gaudreau was a former Boston College forward. During his four NCAA seasons, he appeared in more than 115 games and recorded 62 points for the Eagles.

After graduating, Matthew turned professional in 2017 signing with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He became a respected player in the ECHL and AHL, particularly making his mark with the Worcester Railers where he tallied 24 goals and 36 assists across 88 games between 2017 and 2019. He returned for a final appearance with the team in 2021-22 before also playing briefly overseas and eventually retiring from professional hockey.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno