Honoring the Gaudreau Brothers Through Art and Community

This artwork is dedicated to the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two brothers whose love for each other and passion for hockey left a lasting impact on everyone who knew them. Tragically, Johnny and Matthew lost their lives on August 29, 2024, but their bond and legacy live on in the hearts of their family, friends, and the hockey community.

NHL

Johnny, an NHL standout with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, and Matthew, a professional player in the AHL, ECHL, and Sweden, were known not just for their skill on the ice but for their unwavering support of each other. As Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s wife, beautifully said, "Matty wanted everything for John, and all John wanted to do was share it with his brother and they did.”

This artwork celebrates the unbreakable bond they shared and the joy they brought to so many. Through this piece, we honor their legacy as brothers, teammates, and beloved members of the hockey world. May their story remind us of the power of family, love, and the connections that endure beyond the game.

May they rest in peace, forever together.

About the Artist:

Adrienne Ruth, a Denver-based artist known for her love of hockey and innovative approach to art, has become a prominent figure in the hockey community through her creative designs. Her latest project honors the Gaudreau brothers, Johnny and Matthew, in a deeply personal tribute following their tragic passing. Adrienne’s artwork captures their legacy in the hockey community by incorporating the three teams that shaped their careers: Boston College, the Calgary Flames, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. To convey a sense of mourning, Adrienne subtly cast shadows over the vivid team colors, reflecting the somberness of their loss.

As Adrienne created this piece, she was inspired by a touching sentiment shared by Kelsie Snow, imagining Johnny and Matthew having "signed long-term contracts on the team that Chris Snow is managing up there." This idea of the brothers celebrating a goal under Chris Snow’s watchful eye brought a full-circle feeling to the artwork, making the tribute both heartfelt and symbolic.

Adrienne’s passion for both hockey and art runs deep, rooted in her childhood when her mother passed on her love for the sport. That passion found its creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Adrienne rediscovered her love for drawing. What started as a small creative endeavor quickly grew into something much larger, with her art resonating deeply with fans and players alike.

She gained widespread recognition during the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, when she played a key role in the #StandWithNaz movement in support of player Nazem Kadri and designed the now-iconic "Too Many Men" shirts. That design, worn by Kadri during the Stanley Cup parade, became a viral sensation and further cemented Adrienne’s place in the hockey world.

For Adrienne, creating art that connects with fans on a personal level is about more than just the sport. Her work brings together hockey, community, and activism in ways that unites fans and honors players. In addition to her tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, Adrienne continues to create art across multiple mediums, from digital designs to hand-beaded jerseys, celebrating the accomplishments and spirit of the sport she loves.

When she's not working on her next project, Adrienne shares her love of hockey through her popular Etsy shop, "Murder on Ice Design Co.," where fans can find everything from hand-drawn stickers to custom keychains. You can follow her artistic journey on Instagram and Twitter/X under the handle @guffychan.

For those interested in owning a piece of this heartfelt tribute, StickerGiant has generously donated stickers of the artwork for purchase. 

All proceeds will be donated to Gloucester Catholic High School, a place deeply connected to the Gaudreau family. In 2016, while playing for the Calgary Flames, Johnny Gaudreau established the Johnny Gaudreau Scholarship Golf Tournament to provide scholarships and tuition assistance to underprivileged students at his alma mater in New Jersey. Matthew was also coaching at Gloucester Catholic at the time of his passing, and their father, Guy, coached both brothers there, making the school a meaningful part of the Gaudreau family’s legacy.

Need a safe ride home from Ball Arena?

Rideshare/Taxi/Limo drop-off and pick-up is available at the intersection entrance of 5th and Walnut Street in the 4Runner West parking lot ONLY! 

ADA/Accessible Rideshare/Taxi/Limo drop-off and pick-up available at the roundabout on 9th Street.

RTD/Lightrail: An RTD bus stop is located adjacent to the grounds of Ball Arena at 9th Street and Auraria Parkway.

The Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens stop is served by multiple light rail lines (D, E, H & W lines) | train schedule and map.

Download Lyft, Uber

Taxi:Denver Taxi Cab (303) 335-9996 | OnCabs Denver (720) 370-8466 | Taxi Denver Cab (720) 609-0282 | Denver Taxi Services (720) 755-2660

Incentive for Designated Drivers: Designed to allow Guests to have a safe and enjoyable time at Ball Arena events, the Budweiser Good Sport Designated Driver program helps promote responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Guests that are 21 years of age and older wishing to participate may go to the kiosk across from Section 130 and receive a coupon which allows for a small complimentary Pepsi product at a designated concession stand.

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