Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, celebrated the impending arrival of her third child with the former Columbus Blue Jackets player.
Meredith celebrated with a number of her fellow Blue Jackets wives and girlfriends at the Cambridge Tea House in Columbus on Sunday.
In addition to Meredith, the ‘Lady Jackets Baby Shower’ also honored Kelly Labanc, the wife of forward Kevin Labanc, and Aleksandra Merzlikins, the wife of goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
Kelly recently gave birth back in January to their second child, a daughter named Lara. Aleksandra is currently expected a second baby as well.
A number of other Blue Jackets WAGs were in attendance as well – including Odette Peters, the fiancee of defenseman Zach Werenski, Lauren Tjernlund van Riemsdyk, wife of forward James van Riemsdyk, and Maggie Jenner, wife of captain Boone Jenner, among others.
Attendees found a fine feast awaiting them – including a selection of fine teas, a house salad with goat cheese, toasted almond scones, finger sandwiches, mini quiches, chocolate covered strawberries and red velvet cupcakes.
Back in August of 2024, Johnny and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding bicycles at night in their native New Jersey. They were set to attend a wedding for their sister, Katie.
Meredith and Johnny shared two children – a daughter, Noa, 2, and a son, Johnny, 11 months.
But at a memorial service held for the brothers in September, Meredith revealed that she and Johnny were actually expecting a third child.
‘We’re actually a family of five,’ Meredith said during her eulogy. ‘I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited.’
Meredith added, ‘I was so nervous because this was, again, a total surprise. But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, ‘You’re nuts, you know that? Three kids?’
Johnny had been in the NHL since 2011, when he was drafted 104th overall by the Calgary Flames.
He played there through 2022 – when he signed with Columbus in free agency.
