August 30, 2024
Matt Gaudreau (1994-2024)
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) and Philadelphia Rebels are mourning the loss of former Assistant Coach Matt Gaudreau and his brother Johnny Gaudreau who passed away last night at the ages of 29 and 31, respectively.
The Philadelphia Rebels released a statement this morning:
“Hollydell Ice Arena and the Philadelphia Rebels are overwhelmed by the unimaginable loss of Matty Gaudreau and his brother John. The depth of our sadness can’t be put into words.
Matty and Johnny grew up at the Hollydell Ice Arena, where they learned the game from their father Guy. After playing for the USHL’s Omaha Lancers and at Boston College, Matty spent three years playing professionally. Hollydell benefitted tremendously from Matty’s decision to come home and give back to the game through his coaching career. While Matty was excellent with our very young players, he found his niche as an assistant coach as we launched our junior program. Over four years with the Philadelphia Hockey Club and the Philadelphia Rebels in the NAHL, Matty shined as a teacher of the game and a mentor to our players. In Matty, they could see the success they aspired to.
Off the ice, everyone in the Hollydell family will miss Matty’s warm smile and personality. He was a friend to everyone he encountered, and his loss will leave a hole in our community.
As the best of local success stories, Matty and Johnny have motivated countless young hockey players in the South Jersey community. While our collective grief will linger for some time, we will continue to celebrate Matty and Johnny at Hollydell Ice Arena. We all benefitted tremendously from their involvement with our hockey family.
We grieve with his wife Madeline, his parents Guy and Jane, sisters Kristen and Katie, and the entire hockey community around Hollydell and beyond as we process this senseless loss.”
New Jersey State Police said Gaudreau was one of two cyclists struck and killed by a car in Salem County, New Jersey. Gaudreau’s older brother, Johnny, was the other victim in the crash, police confirmed.
The Carney’s Point, New Jersey, natives were in the area for their sister Katie’s wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
According to police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The North American Hockey League extends its condolences to the Gaudreau family and friends.
