Latest news with #JohnnyGaudreau
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Thousands take part in Gaudreau Family 5K walk and run in honor of brothers John and Matthew
Hockey sticks from various vigils for hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were fatally struck by a motorist while riding bicycles, rest against a sign at the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk, Run and Family Day, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Sewell, N.J. (AP Photo/Stephen Whyno)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hundreds gather for Gaudreau Family 5K run/walk
The Brief Hundreds turned out in a powerful tribute Saturday morning as the community came together for a heartfelt 5K run honoring the legacy of the Gaudreau brothers. The brothers were fatally struck by a car while they were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township last year. The driver was allegedly under the influence at the time of the accident. SEWELL, N.J. - Hundreds gathered to honor the two brothers killed while cycling in Salem County last year at the Inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Run, to help raise funds for a playground for kids with disabilities, in honor of the pair. The backstory "This is great, we are bringing the hockey community and the running community together here in South Jersey and Philadelphia to celebrate Johnny and Matthew," said Dave Welsh, a local business owner and organizer of the event. Last year, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's lives were abruptly taken away after they were hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver as they were riding their bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey. Both pillars of the hockey community, with Johnny, taking his talent to the NHL. Big picture view "When you first heard this tragedy that occurred, it was so riveting and overwhelming, that anything that we could possibly do to help, we were right on board. We are big hockey fans, we loved everything about this event so, we figured we're gonna do it," says one of the participants. A chance for the community to come together to support the brothers, their family, and the overall cause, which was to raise funds to build a playground at a school in South Jersey for children with disabilities, in honor of the Gaudreau brothers. Gillian Kocher, who helped put on the event says, "This playground that they are building through the proceeds from this will be a kind of lasting impact. It will impact generations to come at Archbishop Damiano. I know that John and Matty really loved kids, they were personally involved in the school as well so, I think it really gives their family some comfort, that we can continue to do things that they would have done and do it in their honor."
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Thousands take part in Gaudreau Family 5K walk and run in honour of brothers John and Matthew
Hockey sticks from various vigils for hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were fatally struck by a motorist while riding bicycles, rest against a sign at the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk, Run and Family Day, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Sewell, N.J. (AP Photo/Stephen Whyno)
CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Over 1,000 people support Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's family fundraiser with 5K run in South Jersey
The Gaudreau family is getting closer to their goal to fund an adaptive playground the late Johnny and Matthew wanted to see built in their home state of New Jersey. Over 1,000 people, a sign of that progress, showed out on Saturday for the Gaudreau Family 5K Run, Walk and Family Fun Day at Washington Lake Park in Gloucester County. Since Johnny and Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver near their home in Salem County, their family, including parents Jane and Guy, have been working to honor their legacy. The runners came to support the Gaudreau family during this tough time and to help raise money for a cause thats close to the family's hearts. A little rain didn't stop anyone. "It was emotional. It was great. I mean, earlier we had a rainbow which was a pretty neat blessing for the day," one runner said. Guy Gaudreau was among the runners in the field. He put on a brave face for the camera but admitted the days are still really hard for their family. "I get halfway and i wanna quit, and the boys voices get in my head and say, 'Dad you're not a quitter,'" Guy said. "Because that's not how I taught them, not to be quitters, but it's really emotionally draining for my wife and I." The family organized the event along with members of the hockey community. Jane previously told CBS News Philadelphia that Johnny and Matthew volunteered at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville and that the school is important to their family — that's where the playground would be built once funded. ADS, where Jane has worked for over 40 years, is a nonprofit school serving over 135 students with disabilities. But the playground is crumbling and not accessible to many in its current state. The event also included an auction of NHL memorabilia including signed jerseys from players around the league. "It's pretty incredible how two young men that my wife and I raised are that incredibly popular throughout the world, right?" Guy Gaudreau said. The family fun extended long after the running events were over. The day should get the family closer to their $600,000 goal, after entering Saturday having raised $400,000. contributed to this report.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hiring Kekalainen Gives Sabres A Draft Guru (And Potentially Their Next GM)
The fire underneath Kevyn Adams' chair just got a little hotter. The Buffalo Sabres announced they have hired Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor, serving to GM Kevyn Adams. The two executives will be working side-by-side in an effort to get the Sabres back to the Stanley Cup playoffs, as they pushed their drought to 14 straight seasons without a playoff berth. However, if things don't change fast for the Sabres, Adams could be looking at his next successor. Advertisement Kekalainen was a long-time GM for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024. Following his dismissal in February 2024, he has served as a senior advisor for Liiga's HIFK in Finland. Bringing in Kekalainen gives Adams an extra set of experienced set of hands on the steering when it comes to managing his team, specifically for the upcoming draft where the Sabres have the ninth overall pick. Kekalainen, who with Columbus drafted Zach Werenski, Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli in the first round, has a track record of unearthing late-round gems, specifically Europeans. With the Blue Jackets, he also drafted Oliver Bjorkstrand, Vladislav Gavrikov, Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, Dmitry Voronkov, and several others who were selected outside the first round. With Buffalo looking to take the next step and get into the playoffs, it will be interesting to see if the Sabres keep their first-round pick or try and package it in a trade for a player who can help the team right now. Further to that, the team will be looking to add significant players in free agency, with Jarmo also has plenty of experience, having convinced Johnny Gaudreau in 2022 to sign in Columbus over the New York Islanders and other destinations. Opinion: Johnny Gaudreau Signing with the Blue Jackets Over Devils and Flyers Looks Like a Big Mistake Opinion: Johnny Gaudreau Signing with the Blue Jackets Over Devils and Flyers Looks Like a Big Mistake Johnny Gaudreau likely didn't expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to be this low in the NHL standings when he signed a seven-year deal. Should they consider a trade? Advertisement 'From his extensive history in scouting, his long tenure as an NHL general manager and his vast experience at the international and European pro levels, Jarmo has a remarkable resume and a long history of success in this league,' Adams said in a statement. 'I spoke with a number of candidates about this role and it's clear to me that Jarmo is a perfect fit for our team. I couldn't be more excited to add another significant piece to our front office as we continue the process of adding to our staff,' the Sabres GM added. After his playing days, Kekalainen became a European scout for the Ottawa Senators for four seasons, before being promoted to the Director of Player Personnel. Later, with the St. Louis Blues, he became the Director of Amateur Scouting and eventually the assistant GM. Why Marner To Buffalo Is A Non-Starter Why Marner To Buffalo Is A Non-Starter The Buffalo Sabres have reached the highest level of hockey ignominity with their playoff drought extending to 14 seasons, but after strong statements regarding potential organizational changes last month at their season-ending press conferences, there have been only rumors of possible managerial and coaching shakeups. Advertisement In addition to Kekalainen being an asset for Adams, he could be a threat, too. Adams has been Buffalo's GM for the last five seasons, and they are yet to get a sniff of the playoffs or gradual improvement. With Kekalainen's experience and history, if the Sabres part ways with Adams in the future, the Finnish executive could be the next man up.
