Meredith Gaudreau was fêted by the close-knit Columbus Blue Jackets community as she prepares to welcome her third baby.
Gaudreau, who is currently pregnant with her third child with late Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, celebrated with a tea party at Columbus’ Cambridge Tea House on Sunday, February 2.
The “Lady Jackets Baby Shower” also honored Kelly Labanc, the wife of Columbus forward Kevin Labanc, and Aleksandra Merzlikins, the wife of Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
Kelly gave birth to the couple’s daughter, Lara, in January 2025. She and Kevin also share son Eric, 21 months. Aleksandra, meanwhle, is currently pregnant with her second baby. She and Elvis share son Knox, 3.
The party was attended by Odette Peters, fiancée of Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski, Lauren Tjernlund van Riemsdyk, wife of Columbus forward James van Riemsdyk, and Maggie Jenner, wife of Columbus center and captain Boone Jenner, among others.
Inside the soiree, the women enjoyed a selection of fine teas, a house salad with goat cheese, toasted almond scones, turkey and swiss finger sandwiches, mini quiche lorraines, dark chocolate covered strawberries and red velvet cupcakes.
Meredith — who shares daughter Noa, 2, and son Johnny, 11 months, with her late husband — announced she was pregnant with the couple’s third baby at a memorial service held for Johnny and his brother, Matthew, in September 2024.
Johnny and Matthew were struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on August 29, 2024, the night before their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding.
Related: How Meredith Gaudreau Spent Her 1st Birthday Since Death of Husband Johnny
Courtesy of Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram Meredith Gaudreau spent her first birthday since the death of her husband, Johnny, surrounded by her children and loved ones. The birthday celebration happened on Monday, January 20, nearly five months after Johnny, 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, were killed by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans […]
“We’re actually a family of five,” Meredith said during her eulogy. “I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited.”
Meredith added, “I was so nervous because this was, again, a total surprise. But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, ‘You’re nuts, you know that? Three kids?’”
The Blue Jackets organization, which Johnny was traded to in July 2022, has been a huge support system for Meredith and her family in the wake of Johnny’s death.
In October 2024, more than a dozen players as well as their wives and girlfriends attended a 2nd birthday celebration for Noa. “We love you all,” Meredith shared via Instagram alongside a picture from the party. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart 💙really special group that will forever be family to me and my babies.”
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