'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau was known for his talent on the ice, but his loving devotion to his wife Meredith shone even brighter.
This was evidenced by Johnny sneaking out of his own bachelor party multiple times to be with his bride-to-be, as Meredith affectionately revealed in an Instagram post following her husband's tragic passing.
"He did this 3 different times," Meredith wrote on a video posted by her sister Lily, which showed Johnny arriving unannounced at their parents' house after leaving his bachelor party early.
"One of my favorite memories: John sneaking out of his own bachelor party and showing up at my parents house to be with Mereidth," Lily wrote. "A small glimpse into how much he loves my sister."
Tragically, Johnny and his brother Matthew lost their lives on Thursday after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while cycling near their New Jersey hometown. The 31-year-old Gaudreau left behind his beloved wife Meredith and their two young children, Noa and Johnny Jr.
In another emotional Instagram tribute, Lily expressed her gratitude for the time spent with Johnny, reminiscing about baking cookies, watching crime documentaries and enjoying sauna sessions.
"I'll see you again for more deal or no deal and word search races that I will never beat you in," she wrote in memory of her brother-in-law. "I promise to take care of your babies and Mer forever."
Saddledome Arena transformed into a tribute site for Johnny Gaudreau
The Saddledome Arena in Calgary has transformed into a gathering place for fans to pay tribute to the beloved former Calgary star Johnny Gaudreau.
Outside the building, a sea of flowers, photos, jerseys and other mementos left by heartbroken fans now surrounds the arena, transforming it into an emotional tribute site.
Gaudreau spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Flames. His No. 13 jersey could be seen outside the Saddledome as fans young and old came to pay their respects to the Calgary legend.
Despite Gaudreau's move to Columbus two years ago, it's clear his impact on Calgary remains profound.
