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The passing of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau continues to stir emotions with each passing memorial service held in his honor. During Johnny Gaudreau’s memorial service on Monday, Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, honored her late husband’s life with a touching tribute.
However, the news revealed during Meredith Gaudreau’s her heart-wrenching speech left those in attendance stunned. She announced that she was pregnant with her and Johnny's third child.
"John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," Meredith Gaudreau said (per ABC News). "There's specifically one week that I will cherish forever -- it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We're actually a family of five. I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby."
The announcement brought the entire house to tears. Meredith later mentioned that while her pregnancy was a “total surprise,” Johnny Gaudreau’s reaction was particularly warm.
"His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me," Meredith said.
The outpouring of love and support for the Gaudreau brothers was surreal. Friends and family gathered to pay their respects as millions of fans around the NHL mourned the tragic loss of one of hockey’s most beloved stars.
Johnny Gaudreau is the best daddy in the world
As Johnny Gaudreau’s widow fought through tears, she underscored how lucky she was to have a wonderful family. In particular, she remarked on how much excitement the news of their third child brought.
"After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he'd say, 'You're nuts, you know that?" Three kids, Noa, our oldest, hasn't even turned two yet,” Meredith said (per CBS News).
“In less than three years of marriage, we created a family of five. It doesn't even sound possible, but I look at it as the ultimate blessing.”
Meredith Gaudreau called her three children the most special thing in her life. She concluded her speech by leaving a heartfelt message for her children:
“To my babies, Daddy loves you all so much, and you have the best daddy in the world."
Fellow NHLer Cole Caufield was in attendance at the service. Caufield recently announced his decision to switch his jersey number from 22 to 13 in honor of the late Johnny Hockey.
Caufield simply stated:
“Everywhere he went, he was loved and respected."
The Gaudreau brothers will forever be remembered in hockey lore as one of the best and most respected hockey families in the history of the game.
