The USHL formally announced the introduction of The Gaudreau Award during the 2024-25 season, a yearly honor bestowed upon the player in the league who best embodies the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Johnny (Dubuque Fighting Saints, 2010-11) and Matthew (Omaha Lancers, 2011-13) 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 play with joy, enthusiasm, care and responsibility.

Excellence in Hockey

"Johnny Hockey" was among the most electrifying players in hockey, known for his skill, creativity and love of the game. Before becoming a seven-time NHL All-Star and winner of the Hobey Baker Award, Johnny won USHL Rookie of the Year and helped the Dubuque Fighting Saints win the Clark Cup in their inaugural season.

Matthew played two USHL seasons with the Omaha Lancers before joining Johnny at Boston College. After four years of college hockey, Matthew embarked on a six-year professional career in the AHL, ECHL and overseas.

Spirit of the Game

Former teammates and coaches often speak of the joy Johnny and Matthew brought to the game. Johnny's joyous leadership and enthusiasm were infectious. Matthew's humor helped ease tense moments. Both had unwavering support for their teammates. The award will be given to a player who shows similar qualities, serving as a role model and source of positivity within their team.

Care and Responsibility

The Gaudreau brothers were known for their humility and generosity. Their kindness was magnetic. In addition to loving and supporting their families, Johnny and Matthew cared deeply for their communities.

As a beloved figure in the broader hockey community, Johnny made a committed effort to connect with fans at every stop along the way. He became a minority owner of the Fighting Saints in 2018.

Matthew was loved for his ability to connect with people and make a difference. After retiring from a six-year professional career, he began coaching at his high school alma mater.

The player honored with the Gaudreau Award will be someone known for their integrity, humility, and ability to bring people together through volunteer work, mentorship or fan engagement.

2024-25: ETHAN WYTTENBACH, SIOUX FALLS STAMPEDE

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.

2025-26: BLAKE ZIELINSKI, DES MOINES BUCCANEERS

Using his elite skill, competitiveness, and creativity, Zielinski has paced the Buccaneers with 25 goals and 27 assists in 50 games, helping them into a playoff spot for the first time since 2023. After joining Des Moines last season, Zielinski returned for his NHL Draft year with the enthusiasm and joy that lifted the performance and confidence of those around him.
 
As a high-end player entering his first year of NHL Draft eligibility, Zielinski showed loyalty to Des Moines through an offseason coaching change, entrusting himself to be part of rebuilding the Buccaneers’ culture, and not just by scoring goals. The Providence commit’s ability to steer the team through difficult loses and midseason roster moves has played a critical role in the team’s success. His teammates naturally gravitate to him, and with that influence, he’s created a locker room environment built on trust, accountability, and genuine care for one another.