Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith makes heartbreaking confession as NHL season begins after her tragic death

Johnny Gaudreau's widow Meredith admits it was “really hard” to witness the restart of the hockey season just weeks after her husband's tragic death.

Gaudreau, an NHL veteran who was planning to start his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2024, and his younger brother Matthew were killed while cycling in New Jersey last month when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver.

The couple lost their lives the night before their sister Katie's wedding, while both partners are currently expecting children.

And Meredith, who already has two children with Johnny and recently announced that she is pregnant with her third, spoke about how difficult it was for her to witness the start of NHL preseason games three weeks after the fatal accident.

“It was really hard to witness the beginning of hockey and see how different my life is now,” she wrote in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

NHL veteran Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew (left) were killed while cycling in New Jersey last month after being struck by a suspected drunk driver.

“I've spent my whole life taking care of John and our children. That's all I've ever wanted.”

Meredith and Johnny married in September 2021 before having their first child, daughter Noa, a year later and son Johnny just six months ago.

In a tearful memorial at his funeral this month, Gaudreau's wife revealed that she is currently nine weeks pregnant with their third child following his tragic death.

“In less than three years of marriage, we have created a family of five,” she said. “It sounds impossible, but I consider it the greatest blessing. How lucky I am to be the mother of John's three babies. Our last one is a blessing and very special despite these difficult circumstances.”

Meredith added that her husband was “glowing” and “so excited” when she told him the news.

“I was so nervous because it was another total surprise, but his reaction was to immediately kiss and hug me,” she said.

Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith, whom he married in 2021, two young children – one-year-old daughter Noa and baby boy Johnny, who was born just six months ago – and a third unborn child.

The soon-to-be mother of three was seen holding her daughter and son as she entered St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania for the funeral.

Dozens of mourners crowded into the church for the service, which took place less than two weeks after the fatal accident. A private viewing took place on Sunday.

The brothers' widows expressed their deepest condolences to their husbands, recalling the close bond they shared as siblings and their devotion to the family.

“I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world because I'm his wife,” Meredith said. “He was and still is my soul mate.”

Matthew's wife Madeline, who is also pregnant with their first child, recalled that the brothers were “inseparable.”

“John took care of Matty and Matty took care of John … You didn't hear one name without the other,” she said.