Johnny Gaudreau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnny Gaudreau
Gaudreau with the Calgary Flames in April 2016
Born	(1993-08-13)August 13, 1993 Salem, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	August 29, 2024(2024-08-29) (aged 31) Oldmans Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight	165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shot	Left
Played for	Calgary Flames Columbus Blue Jackets
National team	United States
NHL Draft	104th overall, 2011 Calgary Flames
Playing career	2014–2024
Medal record Men's ice hockey Representing  United States IIHF World Championships Bronze 2018 Denmark Team IIHF World Junior Championships Gold 2013 Russia Team Hlinka Gretzky Cup Silver 2010 Czech Republic / Slovakia Team

John Michael Gaudreau (born August 13, 1993 – died August 29, 2024) was an amazing American ice hockey player. He played as a winger for 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Before joining the NHL, he played for the Boston College Eagles from 2011 to 2014. The Calgary Flames chose him in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Gaudreau was known as "Johnny Hockey". In 2014, he won the Hobey Baker Award as the best college hockey player. During his first full NHL season (2014–15), he was picked for the NHL All-Star Game. He was also a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the NHL's best rookie. In the 2016–17 season, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for being the most gentlemanly player. In 2022, Gaudreau joined the Columbus Blue Jackets and played there for two seasons.

Sadly, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew passed away on August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. They were riding their bikes when an accident happened.

Early Life and Youth Hockey

Johnny Gaudreau was born in Salem, New Jersey, a small town. He grew up in Carneys Point Township, New Jersey. When he was young, he played baseball and ice hockey.

In 2006, he played in the famous Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He went to Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey. Later, he graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in Iowa.

Playing Career Highlights

USHL Success

Gaudreau played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2010–11 season. He was chosen for the 2011 USHL All-Star Game. His team, the Fighting Saints, won the Clark Cup, which is the USHL championship.

Johnny was recognized as the USHL Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the USHL All-Rookie Team and the All-USHL Second Team. Even though he was only 5'6" tall, the Calgary Flames drafted him 104th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He was one of the shortest players picked that year.

College Hockey at Boston College

After a training camp with the Flames, Gaudreau started playing for the Boston College Eagles in the NCAA. This was for the 2011–12 season.

As a freshman, he scored 21 goals and 23 assists, totaling 44 points in 44 games. He was the top-scoring freshman in the country. He helped Boston College win the National Championship. He scored a fantastic goal in the final game. He also won the Bill Flynn Trophy as the MVP of the Hockey East Championship.

In his second year, Gaudreau became a star player. He scored 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points in 35 games. He led the nation in points per game. He also helped the U.S. win a gold medal at the 2013 World Juniors. He was named Hockey East Player of the Year.

Gaudreau stayed at Boston College for his junior year to play with his younger brother, Matthew. He had an amazing season, scoring 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points in 40 games. This was the highest scoring rate by any college player since 2003. He tied a record for the longest scoring streak in Hockey East history. For his outstanding play, he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. This award goes to the top college ice hockey player.

Joining the Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau signed with the Calgary Flames on April 11, 2014, the same day he won the Hobey Baker Award. He made his NHL debut in the Flames' last game of the 2013–14 season. He scored his first NHL goal on his very first shot!

Gaudreau in September 2016

For the 2014–15 season, Gaudreau earned a full-time spot with the Flames. He scored his first NHL hat-trick (three goals in one game) on December 22, 2014. He became the youngest Flames player to score a hat-trick since Joe Nieuwendyk in 1987–88.

Gaudreau was chosen for the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. He finished his rookie season tied for the scoring lead among all rookies. He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie. He was also named to the NHL's All-Rookie team.

The 2015–16 season was even better for Gaudreau. He set new personal bests in goals, assists, and points. He finished sixth in total points among all NHL players. He played in his second NHL All-Star Game.

Before the 2016–17 season, Gaudreau signed a big six-year contract with the Flames. He led the Flames in scoring that season with 61 points.

In the 2017–18 season, Gaudreau set a new career high with 84 points. He was named an NHL All-Star for the fourth year in a row. The 2018–19 season was his best regular season yet. He scored a career-high 99 points, including 36 goals and 63 assists. He finished seventh in league scoring. The Flames won their division and were the top team in the Western Conference.

However, in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Flames lost in the first round. Gaudreau only got one assist in that series. The 2019–20 season was a bit tougher for him, but he still helped the Flames win a qualifying round series in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The 2021–22 season was a huge success for Gaudreau and the Flames. He played on a dominant line with Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk. On April 12, he reached 100 points for the first time in his career. He finished the season with 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points. This was the second-most points ever for a Flames player in one season. He finished second in the league for total points.

In the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Gaudreau scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 7 against the Dallas Stars. This sent the Flames to the second round for the first time in seven years. The Flames then played the Edmonton Oilers in a big rivalry series, but they were defeated.

After the season, Gaudreau's contract with the Flames ended. Many wondered where he would play next.

Moving to the Columbus Blue Jackets

Gaudreau in action with the Blue Jackets in January 2024.

On July 13, 2022, Johnny Gaudreau signed a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This decision surprised many in the hockey world. He chose Columbus even though other teams offered him more money. He said he wanted to be closer to his family.

His first season with the Blue Jackets was challenging for the team. Many players got hurt. But Gaudreau played very well and was chosen for the 2023 All-Star Game. He led his team with 74 points. Even with a tough season, he said he loved playing in Columbus.

International Play

Johnny Gaudreau also played for the United States in international tournaments.

• In 2013, he helped the U.S. win a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He led the whole tournament with seven goals.
• In 2014, he played for the senior U.S. team at the 2014 IIHF World Championship. He scored 10 points in the tournament.
• In 2016, he played for Team North America in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
• In 2018, he helped the U.S. win a bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

Personal Life

Johnny Gaudreau's younger brother, Matthew, was also a professional hockey player. They played together at Boston College in 2013–14. Their parents are Guy and Jane Gaudreau. Johnny's father, Guy, coached hockey for 11 years at Gloucester Catholic High School.

In 2015, Gaudreau applied to trademark his nickname "Johnny Hockey". He wanted to make sure his nickname was used properly.

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew passed away on August 29, 2024. They were riding bikes at night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were involved in an accident. They were in the area for their sister Katie's wedding, which was planned for the next day.

Images for kids

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  Gaudreau in September 2016

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  Gaudreau participates in the 2018 Calgary Stampede parade

• 

  Gaudreau in action with the Blue Jackets in January 2024.

Awards and Honors

See also

In Spanish: Johnny Gaudreau para niños