On a poignant evening at Nationwide Arena, the Columbus Blue Jackets paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before their home opener against the Florida Panthers. The Gaudreau brothers tragically passed away in August after a car accident in New Jersey while riding their bicycles near their family home.
Johnny Gaudreau had signed a significant seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets two years prior, making him a beloved player for the team and its fans. In his time with the Blue Jackets, he scored 33 goals and 101 assists in 161 games, solidifying his place in the hearts of many.
The home opener was a chance for both teams to remember and celebrate the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The Panthers made a touching gesture by bringing purple Gatorade and Skittles, Johnny’s favorite snacks, in their honor. This idea was proposed by Matthew Tkachuk, a close friend of Gaudreau’s from their time playing together in Calgary.
Before the game, Columbus unveiled a memorial inside the arena dedicated to the Gaudreau brothers. It featured replica lockers for Johnny and Matthew, along with game-worn equipment and items from the fan memorial outside the arena. The memorial will remain on display throughout the entire 2024-25 season for fans to pay their respects.
During warm-ups, players from both teams wore special jerseys with Johnny Gaudreau’s number 13, which were later auctioned off to support the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. The Blue Jackets also honored Johnny with an emotional pregame video highlighting his life both on and off the ice, showcasing his passion for hockey and his love for family and friends.
As the game began, Gaudreau’s family watched as his number 13 was raised to the rafters in a touching ceremony. The fans in Nationwide Arena erupted into a chant of “Johnny Hockey” as a video message from Johnny’s wife, Meredith, expressed gratitude to the Columbus fan base for their unwavering support.
For the opening puck drop, the Blue Jackets took to the ice with only four skaters, leaving Gaudreau’s left wing empty. Sean Monahan, a longtime friend of Gaudreau’s, took the opening draw and allowed 13 seconds to run off the clock while the crowd echoed with “Love you, Johnny.”
The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, showcasing the impact Johnny had on his teammates, fans, and the Columbus community. The outpouring of support and love demonstrated the lasting legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau within the hockey world and beyond.
