Matthew Gaudreau was the head hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic High School. Before that, he plays ice hockey for the AHL and ECHL.
Sadly, Matthew and his elder brother, Johnny Gaudreau, were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bikes in New Jersey on Friday morning. Tragically, both of them lost their lives.
The sudden loss of the Gaudreau brothers has shaken the hockey community. They were a source of great pride for the Gloucester City community.
Highlights
- Matthew Gaudreau had a successful hockey playing and coaching career, which contributed significantly to his net worth before passing.
- After finishing his ice hockey career, Matthew returned to his roots and worked as head hockey coach for his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic.
- The Boston College graduate played professional hockey for several teams across different leagues, mostly AHL and ECHL.
The Gaudreau brothers were born in Salem, New Jersey, just two years apart. Their parents are Guy and Jane Gaudreau.
Guy Gaudreau is a former Canadian Football League player, college hockey player, and high school coach.
Their mother is of Italian and Irish background. Matt and Johnny also leave behind their Matthew Gaudreau.
They were deeply rooted in the New Jersey as well as Philadelphia communities where they spent their entire childhood on the ice.
Matthew Gaudreau Played Mostly For AHL And ECHL
Matthew attended Boston College and played ice hockey for four years. He had a notable playing career at the institution, playing 119 games, scoring 16 goals and 44 assists.
The college community is “stunned by this tragic news. Matthew was a gifted [player] who was equally beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with Johnny, Matthew, and the entire Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss.
Boston College spokesperson told CBS News
Matt’s professional career as an ice hockey player began when he was drafted in 2011 by the Omaha Lancers in the USHL Entry Draft at number 86.
Rest in peace, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/26azFewFUu
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) August 30, 2024
Over the years, the talented athlete skated for several teams across different leagues.
Some of his notable professional journeys include his tenure with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the AHL and the Reading Royals and Worcester Railers in the ECHL.
Given his consistent performances, Matthew must have earned an impressive salary as a professional hockey player.
Matt Was A Head Coach At Gloucester Catholic High School
After playing for teams in the AHL and ECHL, Matt started his coaching career in the 2020-21 season.
He became the assistant coach of the Philadelphia Hockey Club in the NCDC and USPHL Premier.
Furthermore, in the 2022-23 season, the former AHL player became the assistant coach for the Philadelphia Rebels for the NAHL.
Eventually, he became the head coach for Gloucester Catholic High in the USHS-NJ. He stayed as the head coach for his alma mater in the 2023-24 season.
A growing memorial is now set up outside the Hollydell Ice Arena where the Gaudreau brothers played hockey. Matthew was a coach here for the last four years. Johnny loved coming back and mentoring the kids, says rink owner Jim Mackey. More coming up on @News12NJ at 5. pic.twitter.com/lSqZzEp9ZQ
— Jim Murdoch (@ReporterJim) August 30, 2024
The precise details of Matt’s total net worth or career earnings are not widely documented.
However, given his long and impressive career as a former hockey player and coach, he must have earned a considerable sum.
Additional Information
- Mathew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is pregnant with their first child. The due date is listed as 31 December 2024. The baby’s name will be Tripp.
- Matt was only 29 years old at the time of the tragic incident.
- Johnny Gaudreau agreed to a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth an impressive $68.25 million. His average annual salary was $9.75 million.
