Columbus Blue Jackets to Pay Tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
As the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare for the 2024-25 NHL season, the team will honor the memories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout their campaign. The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month, leaving the hockey world in mourning.
In a heartfelt gesture, the Blue Jackets will don special helmet stickers to remember Johnny and Matthew, beginning with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. These stickers will be blue with gray trim, emblazoned with the name "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. Johnny Gaudreau, a standout player in the NHL, wore number 13 during his career, while his brother Matthew donned number 21 at Boston College.
The tribute will extend throughout the entire season, with Columbus players wearing these stickers on their helmets every game. A moment of silence will be observed in remembrance of the brothers before the Blue Jackets' first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25.
The team has also announced a unique initiative to support the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. During all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games, a 50/50 raffle will be held, with proceeds going to the foundation. This organization will continue the Gaudreau brothers' legacy by supporting causes that were important to them.
Looking ahead to the regular season, the Blue Jackets will further commemorate Johnny Gaudreau by wearing a special patch bearing his number 13 on their jerseys for the entirety of the season. The first regular season game is set for October 10 against the Minnesota Wild.
The home opener on October 15 against the Florida Panthers promises to be particularly poignant. As a tribute to Johnny, all fans attending will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch worn by the players.
The accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau was caused by a drunk driver in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the fragility of life.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' efforts to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau are a testament to the impact they had both on and off the ice. Johnny, known for his dynamic playing style and remarkable skills, left an indelible mark on the NHL and the broader hockey community. Matthew, while not as widely known, was deeply loved by those who knew him and admired for his own contributions to the sport during his time at Boston College.
As the season unfolds, the Blue Jackets and their fans will carry the memories of the Gaudreau brothers, reminding everyone of the importance of community, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of the game of hockey.