Columbus Blue Jackets Honor Gaudreau Brothers with Heartfelt Tribute at Home Opener
In an emotional and poignant pregame ceremony on October 16, 2024, the Columbus Blue Jackets paid a moving tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The ceremony, held before the team's home opener against the Florida Panthers, was a heartfelt moment that brought together the team, fans, and the Gaudreau family to honor the memory of the late hockey stars.
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," was a beloved forward for the Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames before joining Columbus in 2022. Tragically, both Johnny and his brother Matthew lost their lives in a cycling accident in New Jersey on August 29, 2024, a day that shook the hockey world. The accident, caused by a suspected impaired driver, occurred just before their sister Katie’s wedding, leaving the Gaudreau family and the NHL community in deep sorrow.
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The tribute began with a solemn moment as the Blue Jackets raised a banner in Johnny Gaudreau’s honor to the rafters of Nationwide Arena. His wife Meredith stood on the ice, surrounded by family, as the banner ascended—a moment of both pride and heartbreak. As a touching part of the tribute, both the Blue Jackets and the Panthers wore jerseys featuring Gaudreau’s name and his iconic number 13 during the warmups.
In her recorded message played before the game, Meredith Gaudreau urged everyone to focus on the legacy of love and passion that defined Johnny’s life. “I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived. That means love your family first and foremost, and when it’s time to drop the puck let’s love the game that John loved.”
As the game began, the Blue Jackets took the ice with only four skaters, leaving Johnny’s left wing position symbolically empty. Once the puck dropped, Columbus forward Sean Monahan passed it to Florida's Sam Bennett, and the two teams stood still for 13 seconds—a quiet, reflective moment to honor Gaudreau’s jersey number and his impact on the game.
This tribute wasn’t just for Johnny but for the entire Gaudreau family, marking the loss of two brothers who loved hockey and each other. Johnny Gaudreau’s incredible career, marked by his smaller stature yet immense skill and heart, captivated fans and inspired countless players. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy as one of the most electrifying players in the NHL will be remembered forever.
The entire ceremony and game were a testament to the deep connection that Gaudreau had with his teammates, fans, and family, and it highlighted the tight-knit nature of the hockey community.
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