Johnny Gaudreau's sister Katie announces son's birth, names him after late brother Matthew
Katie Gaudreau-Joyce, the sister of late hockey players Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, has welcomed a baby boy and is honoring her family with his name.
Matthew Guy Joyce was born Saturday, June 20, Gaudreau-Joyce announced in an Instagram post Tuesday.
"The moment our hearts grew bigger than we ever imagined. Welcome to the world, sweet boy," she wrote in the caption.
Brothers Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets star known as "Johnny Hockey," and Matthew Gaudreau, a 29-year-old former pro hockey player, died on Aug. 29, 2024.
The brothers were riding bikes in New Jersey on the eve of Katie Gaudreau-Joyce's wedding when they were struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police.
Their sister postponed her wedding for about one year after the accident. She and Devin Joyce married in July 2025.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau both left behind wives, Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau. Katie Gaudreau's social media posts show her role as an active aunt to her brothers' children: Noa, Johnny Jr., and babies Carter and Tripp, who were both born after their fathers' deaths.
The driver suspected of striking the brothers was arrested and has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He has not yet gone to trial.
