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The hockey world stopped spinning for a second back in August 2024. When news broke that Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew had been killed by a drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey, it felt like a collective punch to the gut. But amidst the crushing weight of that memorial service in September, Meredith Gaudreau stood up and shared something that nobody saw coming.
Is Meredith Gaudreau pregnant? The short answer is that she was, and the story has since moved into a beautiful, bittersweet new chapter. During her emotional eulogy for Johnny, Meredith revealed she was nine weeks pregnant with their third child. It was a "total surprise" to the couple, something she found out just weeks before the tragedy.
The Surprise Announcement that Touched the World
Standing at the pulpit of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Meredith didn't just mourn her husband; she celebrated the life he left behind. She told the crowd that they were actually a family of five. At the time of the announcement, she was just entering her third month.
She shared a story that's honestly hard to read without getting a little misty-eyed. When she first told Johnny about the third baby, she was driving the car. She was nervous—three kids under three is a lot for anyone. Johnny? He didn't care about the logistics. He just started hugging and kissing her while she was still behind the wheel.
"You're nuts, you know that? Three kids?"
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That was Johnny’s reaction once the shock wore off. It became a running joke between them in the short time they had left.
Welcoming Carter Michael Gaudreau
Fast forward to April 2025. On April 1—April Fools' Day, which feels like a bit of Johnny's playful spirit showing up—Meredith welcomed their son, Carter Michael Gaudreau.
He arrived at 8 pounds, 3 ounces and 20.5 inches long. If those numbers sound specific, it’s because they are. Meredith pointed out on Instagram that Carter was the exact same size Johnny was when he was born. He even shares Johnny’s middle name.
Carter joined his two older siblings:
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- Noa, their eldest daughter, who was born in September 2022.
- Johnny Jr., their first son, born in February 2024.
It’s a lot for a single mom to handle, especially under the glare of the public eye. But Meredith has been vocal about how she sees these children as the "ultimate blessing." In less than three years of marriage, they built a full house.
The Gaudreau Legacy Continues
It wasn't just Meredith navigating a pregnancy through grief. Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s widow, was also pregnant at the time of the accident. She gave birth to her son, Tripp Matthew Gaudreau, in late 2024.
Seeing the two cousins growing up together is a small mercy for a family that has been through the absolute ringer. The hockey community, specifically the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames, has stayed incredibly close to the family. You'll often see tributes at the arenas, but the real story is in the way the "hockey family" has actually shown up for the day-to-day stuff.
Navigating Grief and New Life
People often ask about Meredith’s status because the timeline of the pregnancy was so closely tied to the public mourning of Johnny Hockey. It’s rare to see someone share such intimate, joyful news in the middle of a funeral, but for Meredith, it was about showing the world that Johnny's light hadn't been fully extinguished.
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She’s been very open on social media about the "firsts"—the first holidays without him, the first birthdays, and now, raising a son who will never meet his father but looks just like him.
How the Family is Doing Now
Basically, Meredith is focusing on being a mom to three toddlers. That’s a full-time job and then some. She’s active in honoring Johnny’s memory through various foundations and community events, but her primary "work" is making sure Noa, Johnny Jr., and Carter know exactly who their dad was.
If you’re looking for ways to support the family or keep the memory of the Gaudreau brothers alive:
- Support the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation: They focus on youth sports and community initiatives that the brothers loved.
- Promote Road Safety: The tragedy brought a massive spotlight on the dangers of drunk driving and the need for better cycling infrastructure.
- Follow Official Channels: Meredith often shares updates and photos of the kids on her Instagram, which remains the best place for verified news about the family.
The story of the Gaudreau family is one of unimaginable loss, but it's also a masterclass in resilience. While the question of whether Meredith is pregnant has been answered by the birth of baby Carter, the interest in their family remains a testament to how much "Johnny Hockey" was loved.
To keep up with the family's journey, you can follow the official updates from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, which continues to provide resources and support for the Gaudreau children as they grow up in the rink.