The lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were honoured in a heart-wrenching memorial service on Monday, and there wasn't a dry eye to be found.
During the service, Meredith Gaudreau gave a deeply emotional eulogy for her late husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau. Through her tears, she shared the news that she's expecting their third child.
"We're actually a family of five," Meredith said. "I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but John was beaming and so excited."
"Noa, our oldest, hasn't even turned two yet," Meredith continued. "In less than three years of marriage, we've created a family of five. It doesn't even sound possible. But I look at it as the ultimate blessing."
"How lucky am I to be the mother of John's three babies? Our last one being a blessing and so special, despite these difficult circumstances," she said.
Meredith reminisced about their early days together, their time in Calgary and Columbus, and the life they built with their two kids, Noa, 23 months, and Johnny, 6 months.
Matthew's widow, Madeline Gaudreau, is also expecting their first child. She delivered a heartfelt eulogy as well, expressing that she'd felt "trapped in a nightmare" this past week.
"The 14 years we spent together will never be enough, but I will cherish those and carry them close to me, especially on the extremely hard days, for the rest of my life," she said.
The late hockey players were remembered at a funeral service in Pennsylvania on Monday, September 9.
Family and friends took to the pulpit to say their goodbyes and share loving memories of the brothers, who were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes on Thursday, August 29.
Many NHL stars were in attendance, including Kevin Hayes, Seth Jones, Sean Monahan, Jack Eichel, Cole Caufield, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Throughout his career, Johnny Gaudreau played for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
During her eulogy, Meredith thanked his teammates on both sides.
"He is forever a Flame, and I am so proud of that. I am so proud to call Calgary my home away from home as well," she said.
"To Columbus and our Blue Jackets family. I can't describe how shattered I am that I don't get more time in your amazing city with John."
Meredith ended with some final words for her late husband.
"I miss you so much, and I love you. You are my forever, and I cannot wait until we are all together again. Please watch over us."
