Katie Gaudreau, sister of the late NHL stars Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, has welcomed her first child with husband Devin Joyce. The couple’s joyous announcement came on 23 June, following the birth of their son, Matthew Guy Joyce, on 20 June. The newborn, who weighed 7 lbs 10 oz at birth, was named in honour of his late uncle Matthew.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post, Katie shared her excitement, captioning the images of her son, “He’s here. 💙” She expressed the overwhelming love they feel as new parents, stating, “The moment our hearts grew bigger than we ever imagined. Welcome to the world, sweet boy. 🤍”. The post also provided details of the little one’s birth, resonating with the emotional connection to the family’s past.
Katie and Devin had first revealed their baby news in February, sharing a touching video on social media. In the clip, Katie can be seen embracing Devin while holding baby shoes and a sonogram. The couple’s glee is palpable, with hats signifying their new roles as “Mom” and “Dad” adding to the excitement of their happy announcement. Family reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with Katie’s mother and sister-in-law both expressing their joy and anticipation for the upcoming birth, underscoring the strong family ties that bind them.
The couple tied the knot in July 2025, nearly a year after they postponed their original wedding date due to a tragic incident. On the eve of their initial wedding date in August 2024, Johnny and Matthew lost their lives in an accident involving an alleged drunk driver while cycling. The brothers were expected to play significant roles at Katie’s wedding, making their absence all the more poignant.
Reflecting on the difficult journey leading up to their wedding, Katie told PEOPLE that both Johnny and Matthew would have wanted her and Devin to embrace the love surrounding them. “John and Matty always celebrated the people they loved with their whole hearts— they would want this day to be about celebrating our love and the life Devin and I are building together,” she commented.
In the wake of their loss, the Gaudreau family has observed significant milestones, including the births of children by Johnny and Matthew’s wives. Just months after the brothers passed, Matthew’s wife Madeline welcomed son Tripp Matthew, sharing her belief that Matthew was watching over her during the experience. “Had Matty with me the whole time,” she expressed on social media shortly after the birth.
Johnny’s widow, Meredith, has also celebrated milestones since the tragic incident, announcing the birth of her and Johnny’s third child, Carter Michael, in April 2025. Her emotional tribute underscores the enduring bond of love shared despite their tragic loss. “I can’t wait to give you the best life, my special boy forever,” she wrote, reflecting on the joy that family brings amid sorrow.
As Katie begins this new chapter of motherhood, she carries with her the love and legacy of her late brothers. Each milestone seems to connect the family’s past with the present, reminding them that love continues to flourish despite heartache.
Katie Gaudreau’s story exemplifies the strength of familial bonds and the ability to find light amid darkness. As she and Devin embark on their journey as parents, it is a poignant reminder that life, while marked by loss, is also rich with the potential for joy, love, and new beginnings. The arrival of baby Matthew signifies not only a personal celebration but also a recognition of the enduring legacy left by Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.