By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News
On a beautiful Friday morning, Aug. 22, golfers arrived early to get ready for the inaugural Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing at Ron Jaworski’s Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove, with all proceeds benefiting Gloucester Catholic High School students.
The event honored the legacies of John and Matty Gaudreau while supporting a meaningful cause within the Gloucester Catholic community. John and Matty often shared that this golf outing was their favorite event, always filled with fun and camaraderie, Principal Tom Iacovone said during a press conference on the patio before the opening ceremony.
“Johnny Hockey” Gaudreau started the golf outing in 2017 to provide scholarships for students so they could afford tuition at his alma mater. Sadly the brothers, who helped Gloucester Catholic win the NJSIAA South Jersey Ice Hockey championship in 2010, were killed while riding bicycles by an alleged drunk driver last summer.
“We will do anything we can to help students go to Gloucester Catholic,” said their father, Guy Gaudreau, a former college ice hockey star who coached his sons both at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township and at Gloucester Catholic in Gloucester City.
“This is a good way for us to give back,” said their mother, Jane Gaudreau, adding that it is important for their family to keep their boys’ legacy alive.
When they first enrolled at Gloucester Catholic, she had to ask a neighbor where the parking lot was. The answer was “park on the street.” Mrs. Gaudreau was a little nervous, but after meeting the students and the faculty she “fell in love” with the school.
“The students and the staff were so nice. It was like a family, and that’s what we wanted,” she said. “We are a close family and we do everything together. So many people have rallied around us. We would not have make it through this year without their support. It has been like a warm hug. Our purpose is to keep Johnny and Matty’s legacy alive.”
“This is so important to me,” said their sister, Katie, also a graduate of Gloucester Catholic. “My parents sacrificed so we could go to school there. Not every family has the opportunity to send their children to Gloucester Catholic.”
“So many people have been there for us,” said the boys’ sister, Kristen. “It has been like one big hug for the family.”
The event was sold out for the golfers, and individuals and business supported the tournament by purchasing a sponsorship or making bids in the online auction, which included items for the Philadelphia sports fan including tickets to upcoming Phillies, Eagles and Flyers games.
Gloucester Catholic Director of Development Gus Ostrum said the annual golf outing will support the following mission in memory of John and Matty Gaudreau:
“To support the ongoing education of deserving students at Gloucester Catholic High School – a cause close to John and Matty’s hearts; to provide a meaningful opportunity for family, friends, and benefactors to come together, honoring the lives of John and Matty and fostering lasting relationships; and to keep their memories alive by inspiring future generations with their spirit of generosity and love for community.”
