They came out in droves to show their love for the Gaudreau family.
Whether they were runners, walkers or even crawlers, hundreds gathered at Washington Lake Park in Sewell for the 2nd Annual Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 16.
The event featured a chip-timed 5K race, a two-mile “Walk & Roll”, a Kid’s Dash, a Diaper Dash and a Corn Hole tournament. It also included a day of music, face-painting, a balloon artist, lawn games, yoga, raffle baskets, food and beverage sales, and plenty of celebrity guest appearances.
The Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day was created in honor of former Gloucester Catholic High School ice hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were struck and killed while riding their bikes in Salem County in August 2024. All event proceeds were donated to the Gaudreau Family Foundation, which supports local hockey initiatives led by the brothers’ parents, Jane and Guy Gaudreau.
For the second year in a row, the turnout exceeded expectations.
“Last year was a surprise with the amazing turnout, and this year is even more of a surprise,” said Katie Gaudreau-Joyce, a sister of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. “Just how people keep showing up for our family is truly so heartwarming, and we’re so thankful for so many amazing families and community members that continuously support us. It’s really what has helped us get through these past two years.”
Gaudreau-Joyce didn’t compete this year, as she is expecting her first child later this year. Her husband, Devin Joyce, finished third overall in a competitive 5K race, which was won by 36-year-old Haddon Township resident Shawn McBride in 16:17.19. The top female finisher was 43-year-old Kayla Gorrell of Cherry Hill in 19:34.20.
Many runners wore official race shirts honoring the Gaudreau brothers. Others wore Calgary Flames or Columbus Blue Jackets shirts, while a few competitors even wore actual hockey jerseys during the race. Joyce wore Matt Gaudreau’s 21 as his racing bib number, while Guy Gaudreau wore Johnny’s No. 13.
“Just seeing people wear the Gaudreau name and honor their legacy really helps us every single day,” Gaudreau-Joyce said.
Aside from receiving medals, the top finishers in several categories received autographed hockey sticks of National Hockey League stars acquired by Tony DeAngelo, former Philadelphia Flyer and current New York Islander. DeAngelo is a Sewell native who grew up playing at Hollydell Ice Arena, which the Gaudreaus called home.
Other NHLers at the event included Buddy Robinson, who played with Johnny Gaudreau at both Gloucester Catholic and for the Calgary Flames.
“It just shows how much [the Gaudreaus] meant to everyone, and obviously to us,” Robinson said of an incredible turnout at the event. “Just to feel the support and be out here to remember and have a good time with friends – it’s super important and hopefully will be done for many years to come.”
Robinson recently retired from professional hockey after stints with the Ottawa Senators, Flames, Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. He wrapped up his career playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia.
“I miss the game, but to be able to be home and be part of something like this is great,” said Robinson, whose brother Eric is currently in the NHL playoffs with the Carolina Hurricanes. “You miss a lot of these things when you’re playing and moving around. To be here and be closer to family and friends full time has been a blessing. I miss [playing], but it’s been great just being able to spend uninterrupted time with family and friends and be a bigger part of these events.”
The event drew Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators captain and Team USA gold medalist, who attended for the second straight year.
“Obviously, I think everybody knows how much the Gaudreau family means to us in the Tkachuk family, and just to be here and see them is amazing,” Tkachuk said. “What an amazing turnout again this year.”
It took an army of volunteers and friends to make the event run smoothly. The Gloucester Catholic ice hockey team did their part, guiding participants around the 5K course.
“They’re all dispersed around the course, making sure people are going the right way,” said Rams coach Mike Geary. “There’s probably about nine or 10 guys here. I think they take a lot of pride in it. It’s something that is always marked on their calendars from day one.”
The love for the Gaudreau family filled the park on a cloudless, sunny morning. Various competitors all ran for the same team.
“There’s an emotional connection that a lot of us still have for Matty and Johnny,” Geary said. “We love that we’re able to come here and pay our respects and partake in this as a team.”
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