### Honoring Legacy: The Inaugural Gaudreau Award Recognizes Excellence in Junior Hockey The United States Hockey League (USHL) has established the Gaudreau Award to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two brothers who tragically lost their lives in a cycling accident last summer. This award is designed to recognize a player who exemplifies the values and spirit that the Gaudreau brothers represented during their time in hockey. The first recipient of this prestigious award is Ethan Wyttenbach, a forward for the Sioux Falls Stampede, who not only excelled on the ice but also made significant contributions to his community. Wyttenbach's achievement will forever link him to the question of who was the first winner of the Gaudreau Award, marking a significant moment in USHL history [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ushl-names-first-annual-gaudreau-153432172.html]. ### Structure of the Gaudreau Award Announcement 1. **Award Establishment**: The USHL created the Gaudreau Award to honor the late brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. 2. **First Recipient**: Ethan Wyttenbach of the Sioux Falls Stampede is named the inaugural winner. 3. **Player Achievements**: Wyttenbach led his team in goals and community service. 4. **Legacy of the Gaudreau Brothers**: The award pays tribute to the brothers' contributions to hockey and their untimely passing. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Ethan Wyttenbach's Performance**: - **Goals Scored**: 23 goals in 43 games during the season. - **Community Service**: Led the Stampede in community service hours, including mentoring youth hockey players and supporting local charities [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/ushl_names_winner_of_inaugural_gaudreau_award_honoring_late_brothers/s1_17050_42042592]. - **Gaudreau Brothers' Background**: - **Johnny Gaudreau**: Played 11 years in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. - **Matthew Gaudreau**: Competed in the AHL and ECHL after their time in the USHL [https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/ushl-presents-inaugural-gaudreau-award-to-ethan-wyttenbach-of-sioux-falls-stampede]. ### Summary of Findings **The USHL's Gaudreau Award serves as a meaningful tribute to the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, recognizing players who embody their spirit.** 1. The award was established to honor the Gaudreau brothers, who tragically passed away [https://www.apnews.com/article/johnny-matthew-gaudreau-award-6896508a248ca23464810c03b4d33bf1]. 2. Ethan Wyttenbach is the first recipient, showcasing both athletic and community excellence [https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/44643520/ushl-presents-inaugural-gaudreau-award-sioux-falls-wyttenbach]. 3. His achievements on the ice and in the community highlight the values the award seeks to promote [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/ushl_names_winner_of_inaugural_gaudreau_award_honoring_late_brothers/s1_17050_42042592]. This inaugural award not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces the importance of community involvement and the enduring legacy of the Gaudreau brothers in the world of hockey.