Call it something special, but the way traditions come full circle, it just ends up tying families with different communities, sports, and some shared moments. Didn’t get it? Well, Jane Gaudreau, mother of the late Gaudreau brothers, just shared a heartfelt message on NHL.com. “It’s going to do so much good, and it’s going to honor John and Matty,” Jane said while their family takes part in something incredibly special. And hey, it begins before the first pitch.

This time, it’s not just about baseball. It’s an honor to the two beloved brothers, Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, who are embracing legacy while bringing the MLB and NHL communities together. With the Gaudreau family all set to host its first-ever community 5K run on Saturday, they will be stepping onto the baseball field on Tuesday for a touching tribute!

The Gaudreau Family 5k Officials shared the heartwarming update on X. “The Gaudreau family is set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the @Phillies game this Tuesday, May 27, ahead of the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K on Saturday. It’s a sweet reminder of when John “threw” out the first pitch at a Boston College baseball game,” the post read.

Both Johnny and Matthew were killed in a road accident last year while cycling in the oldman township. And ever since the mishap happened, the family had been finding strength in togetherness. And this time, it’s their inaugural 5K Race, at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey. But the special part? To help commemorate it, their father, Guy Gaudreau, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Tuesday night’s Phillies game against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Isn’t that a powerful tribute to two local hockey stars who never stopped giving back to the South Jersey community they proudly called home?

But what is the 5K race for? Well, it is for the community to pay tribute as well as support the Gaudreau family. However, as a matter of charity, all proceeds from the event will also be going towards the construction of an adaptive playground for the Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey, that offers services to more than 135 students with varying disabilities. “The family’s long-standing dedication and history at Archbishop Damiano School have been a source of inspiration for us all. Their kindness and love continue to touch our hearts as they strive to live our mission and impact our students’ lives despite their loss,” said Michele McCloskey, the Executive Director and Principal of the school.

Not only this, but the event will also include a one-mile run and other games for small kids! Now, that’s the kind of thoughtful act. However, with the 5K being a beautiful tribute in itself, the Gaudreau brothers were recently honoured in an even bigger way. Talk about the one that brought together the entire hockey community and team USA winning the gold medal in the National championships had a lot to reveal!

Gaudreau brothers honored in Team USA

To say that the United States found more than just skill and strategy for their historic gold medal win at the IIHF World Championship would be an understatement. Because they found more than that—inspiration. While the USA celebrated its first title since 1933, there was a rather quiet but powerful symbol that stood besides them. But what? The No. 13 jersey of Johnny Hockey. “I think that’s what every USA hockey player should strive to be. No one deserves this gold medal more than him. It’s been awesome honoring him, especially tonight after winning. It makes me emotional thinking about it, but it’s an awesome way to honor him,” Zech Werenski quoted.

After all, Johnny Gaudreau represented the U.S. five times at the World Championship and still holds the record of being the nation’s all-time points leader! And this time, when Tage Thompson scored in overtime to seal the gold against Switzerland, the USA didn’t just bring the trophy onto the ice but Johnny’s jersey too. Call it a moment that transcended victory, and the team paid tribute to a beloved teammate and friend whose impact on American hockey continues to shine long after his final shift. Doesn’t it?

“I played with him in my first Worlds (in 2018) and obviously played against him,” Thompson said while recalling the moments with the late hockey player. But he further continued by saying, “He’s done so much for the game and so much for USA Hockey, so this one is special.” While the United States lifted its long-awaited gold alongside lifting the memory of the Gaudreau brothers, days later, the same spirit is carried on to the baseball diamond, where the Gaudreau family steps onto the MLB field for the ceremonial first pitch. After all, the legacy lives on—loud and proud.