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Matthew Gaudreau’s Former Teammate Recalls Final Conversation Before Tragic Death
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Matthew Gaudreau’s Former Teammate Recalls Final Conversation Before Tragic Death

Matthew Gaudreau, who along with his brother, seven-time NHL All Star Johnny Gaudreau, were tragically killed when a drunk driver collided with the siblings while on a bike ride in New Jersey, said in a final conversation with his former college roommate, who played pro hockey, that he was excited about his future.

Gaudreau, who coached a high school and junior hockey team after his 160-game professional hockey career ended, recently accepted a position as skills coach with a new junior team in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

The job has allowed him to spend more time with his wife Madeline and their first child, who is expected to be born later this year.

Quinnipiac goalie Michael Garteig (34) saves a shot from Boston College forward Matthew Gaudreau (21) during the first period of an NCAA Frozen Four semifinal game in NCAA college hockey on Thursday, April 7, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. AP

His former teammate Frankie DiChiara said he also saw Gaudreau more often.

The two shared hotel rooms during road trips as members of the Worcester Railers and Reading Royals in the ECHL, two levels below the NHL.

DiChiara currently coaches the Long Island-based PAL Islanders team, which plays in the same league as the Wolves.

“Matty and I always stayed in touch. He was one of my best friends,” DiChiara said. “I was at his wedding and visited him at the Jersey Shore two summers ago.”

DiChiara, 30, of Farmingville, Long Island, said he had spoken to his former teammate just a week before the tragic accident to “catch up and talk hockey.”

Frankie DiChiara previously played with Matthew Gaudreau. Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images

He said the two were excited to be working as coaches in the same league again and were excited about Gaudreau’s growing family.

“He has been traveling a lot in recent years coaching juniors, and he was excited that this position would allow him to be closer to his wife and baby,” DiChiara said.


Follow the NY Post’s coverage of the tragic death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau at age 31:


Gaudreau, along with his older brother Johnny, transferred to Boston College for the 2013–14 season and played four seasons for the Eagles.

Gaudreau then played bit parts for two seasons with the New York Islanders’ flagship club in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but spent the majority of his career in the ECHL.

DiChiara remembers Gaudreau as a tough opponent and a great teammate.

Brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau of the
Boston College Eagles celebrate the Eagles’ victory over the
Northeastern University Huskies win their fifth Beanpot
Championship in a row. Getty Images

“Matty was a great hockey player, very much like his brother on the ice; he was an excellent skater and could see the ice as well as anyone,” DiChiara said. “He scored over a point a game in the ECHL; he could have kept playing.”

In recent years, Gaudreau has served as head coach at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey and as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Rebels, a junior program that develops NCAA and professional talent.

DiChiara said he felt Gaudreau’s best days in the sport were yet to come because of his extensive hockey knowledge.

“He had one of the highest hockey IQs I’ve ever been around,” DiChiarra said. “He was a great coach.”