Media, Pennsylvania - The tight-knit hockey community is in mourning as the funeral service for brothers and accomplished hockey players, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, is scheduled to take place next week. The service will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media on Monday, September 9. While the funeral is solely for friends and family, it will be livestreamed on nhl.com/bluejackets, allowing supporters and fans to pay their respects.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who grew up in Carneys Point Township, New Jersey, captivated audiences with their exceptional skills on the ice. They both attended Gloucester Catholic High School, where they showcased their talent before moving on to play for Boston College. After a successful five-year professional career, Matthew transitioned into coaching, and Johnny carved out a beloved spot on the Columbus Blue Jackets' roster.

The tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau, aged 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, aged 29, has sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Their teammates and the Blue Jackets' staff expressed their deep grief during a tearful press conference and a poignant vigil on Wednesday afternoon. The support and love shown by their peers during this difficult time has been overwhelming.

The Gaudreau family released a heartfelt statement expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support. They acknowledged the touching memorials and messages left by friends and well-wishers, including jerseys, skates, sticks, pucks, flowers, candles, and other tokens of remembrance. The family found comfort in the community's kindness and stated, "We are gaining strength and WE WILL stand up once again. We are Gaudreau Strong!"

In a touching tribute on Instagram, Johnny's wife, Meredith, shared her love and pride for her late husband on the third anniversary of their wedding. She wrote, "I love you forever John and I am so proud to be your wife." Such heartfelt messages are a testament to the impact Johnny and Matthew had on those around them.

The NHL and the wider sports community continue to pay their respects and offer tributes to the Gaudreau brothers. The Philadelphia Phillies observed a moment of silence in their honor during their game on Friday, August 30, acknowledging the brothers' lifelong support for Philly teams.

As the sports world mourns the loss of these exceptional athletes, their memory and legacy will undoubtedly live on. The hockey community, fans, and the Gaudreau family strive to find strength in each other while cherishing the impact Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had both on and off the ice.