Standing in front of the new ice hockey rink for youngsters at Hollydell Ice Arena dedicated to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau are committee members planning the upcoming Gaudreau Family Fun Day, including Bud (left to right) and Maureen Robinson, Michael Green, Marie O’Connor, Debbie Vasaturo and Paul O’Connor.
On a summer evening last year before their sister’s wedding the next day, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by an alleged drunk driver – a heartbreaking tragedy for their loved ones and their friends at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township.
Their deaths reverberated through the South Jersey hockey community, at Gloucester Catholic High School where the two hockey stars led the Rams to the NJSIAA South Jersey Championship, and throughout the world among fans and players in the National Hockey League.
The Gaudreau family has had a significant impact across the U.S. and Canada, with many events honoring their sons’ lives and memories, according to Michael Green, one of 17 people organizing the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K run/walk and Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 31.
“This is a local event, as their family has been immersed with the community for years,” Green said of the Gaudreaus.
The competitive run will begin at 8 a.m. in Washington Lake Park in Sewell. Green said the Family Fun Day is an opportunity for people in South Jersey with connections to the family – the Hollydell Ice Arena hockey clubs, Gloucester Catholic, and local businesses like Katie Gaudreau’s All Star Dance Studio – to come together for the family’s support.
Guy and Jane Gaudreau are dedicated to honoring their sons’ memory through a family-focused event, bringing together those who have known and supported them over the years, noted event chairperson Deborah Vasaturo.
“Guy taught my son, Charlie, how to skate,” recalled Vasaturo, who said she has been friends with the family for 28 years.
Money raised from the 5K run/walk will be used to build an adaptive playground for students with disabilities at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville.
“The Gaudreau family has a long and dedicated history with the Archbishop Damiano School,” Vasaturo explained. “Marie Lloyd, John and Matthew’s grandmother, worked there for 44 years, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Jane has been a valued member of the school community for over 41 years. John and Matthew’s sister, Kristen Gaudreau Venello, has contributed 24 years of service.
“Their sister Katie Gaudreau also supported the school, volunteering and working as a substitute teacher during the summers while she was in college,” Vasaturo continued. “Additionally, Guy, John and Matty have volunteered their time over the years. The family’s connection to the school runs even deeper. John and Matthew’s uncle attended the school as a student in the 1970s and 1980s.”
The new adaptive playground at the school will provide exercise and joy to children with disabilities for many years to come, she observed.
“The Gaudreau family believes supporting the playground is a beautiful way to honor the legacy of their sons, John and Matthew.”
Along with the run and walk, the Family Fun Day will also feature celebrity guests, a one-mile children’s run and plenty of games and activities for the families.
“We have the support of the Washington Township Police Department, the Ambulance Association and EMTs and the fire department,” said committee member Paul O’Connor.
“Our kids skated with Johnny and Matty and were coached by Guy,” said his wife, Marie. “Guy and his family were a second father and mother to Dalton. Matt was our second son.”
“I worked with Guy for 10 years at Hollydell,” reported committee member Maureen Robinson, whose sons Buddy and Eric Robinson started skating at the age of 6 at Hollydell. “Our boys played with Matt and John at Gloucester Catholic (on the team coached by Guy Gaudreau).”
“We have known the Gaudreau family for a very long time,” said her husband, Bud. “We are doing this because of Guy and his passion for the game of ice hockey. The adaptive playground is a passion for the family.”
The Robinsons’ two sons followed “Johnny Hockey’s” journey into the National Hockey League.
“Buddy plays for the Calgary Flames and Eric plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets,” Maureen said.
“Guy took the level of ice hockey and the frequency of ice time to a different level,” added Green, whose son, Zach, learned how to play at Hollydell. As director, Guy Gaudreau expanded 20-game seasons to 60 games and increased ice time to four days a week for the teams.
He also started and coached the ice hockey program at Gloucester Catholic, leading the team to the South Jersey title during the 2009-’10 season.
“He taught the boys humility,” Bud Robinson stated, “to never boast and to work hard.”
“Youngsters drove from two hours away to play for Guy,” recalled Marie O’Connor.
“Guy brought ice hockey to the United States,” Green said, adding that his players are as good as players anywhere in the world, including Canada and Russia.
As for Family Day, runners can register by April 30 at https://runsignup.com/gaudreaufamily5k. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to become sponsors, and they can do so by contacting Debbie Vasaturo at 1stgaudreau5k@gmail.com.
“Let’s come together as a community to run, walk, and remember Johnny and Matthew,” she emphasized. “Please consider joining us in honoring their legacy.”
