General | 4/12/2025 10:30:00 AM

United States Hockey League (USHL) President and Commissioner Glenn Hefferan today announced Ethan Wyttenbach of the Sioux Falls Stampede the first recipient of The Gaudreau Award, a yearly honor bestowed upon the player in the USHL who best embodies the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

 Johnny and Matthew’s parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau, joined Hefferan in Sioux Falls to present the honor named after Johnny (Dubuque Fighting Saints, 2010-11) and Matthew (Omaha Lancers, 2011-13), who made a lasting impact on their family, friends and countless fans.

The award criteria are grounded in the personal and professional lives of the Gaudreau brothers, combining elements of on-ice excellence with joy, enthusiasm, care and responsibility.

“Johnny and Matthew left an immeasurable impact on the communities where they lived and played. As a New Jersey native, I had the privilege of watching them grow up in our hockey community, with Guy behind the bench and Jane cheering proudly in the stands,” said USHL President and Commissioner Glenn Hefferan. “They were not only exceptional players and teammates but, most importantly, extraordinary people. Their love for the game was only surpassed by their love for their families. As devoted husbands to Meredith and Madeline and loving fathers to their beautiful children, they led with the same integrity, passion, and humility they brought to the rink. This award was created to honor their legacy and to serve as a shining example of excellence, character, and heart both on and off the ice."

Despite sidelining a lower body in February, Wyttenbach rebounded to help lead the Stampede in scoring, showcasing his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Selected for the 2025 Chipotle All-American Game and ranked 222nd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft, Wyttenbach’s on-ice performance has been impressive.

Wyttenbach has made a commitment to serve the Sioux Falls community. Prior to his injury he led the team in community service hours. On top of being a mentor to his younger brother and local youth hockey players, Ethan filled food bags at Feeding South Dakota, served dinners at the St. Francis House and rung bells for The Salvation Army. He made school visits and assisted at youth practices after his own.

In addition to his on-ice achievements and community engagements, Wyttenbach’s personal commitment to family is evident in his daily interactions. Whether it is ensuring his younger brother is included in team activities or offering unwavering support during challenging times, he personifies humility and generosity.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League and its 16 member clubs are committed to being the leading 16–20-year-old junior hockey league in the world. More than half of Division I men’s hockey roster spots are held by USHL alumni and more than 195 alumni were listed on NHL rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season.

The league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 92% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel), Cole Caufield (NTDP), Adam Fantilli (Chicago Steel) and Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede). More.