In a heartfelt tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets will honor their memory throughout the 2024-25 season. The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month, and the Blue Jackets will ensure their legacy lives on in various significant ways.
A Season-Long Tribute
To commemorate Johnny and Matthew, Columbus players will prominently display special helmet stickers starting from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. These blue stickers, trimmed with gray, will feature "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. Johnny Gaudreau, during his notable NHL career, wore the number 13, while his brother, Matthew, donned number 21 during his time at Boston College.
In addition to the helmet stickers, the team will sport a special patch featuring Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys for the entire season. This visible tribute aims to keep the Gaudreaus close to their hearts both on and off the ice.
Moment of Silence and Raffles
Before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will hold a moment of silence in memory of Johnny and Matthew. This solemn occasion will allow both the team and the fans to pay their respects to the brothers who were beloved by many.
Moreover, during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games, a unique 50/50 raffle will take place, with all proceeds going towards the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This foundation will carry forward the spirit and values of the brothers, contributing to causes they held dear.
Engaging the Fans
The tribute will extend beyond the players to include the fans as well. On October 15, during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers, every attendee will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch. This gesture not only memorializes Johnny Gaudreau but also allows fans to share in the tribute. The first regular season game against the Minnesota Wild will occur earlier, on October 10, where the Blue Jackets will debut their memorial patches.
A Tragic Loss
The accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, closing a promising chapter in the Gaudreau family's story.
Johnny Gaudreau was a stalwart in the NHL, known for wearing number 13, which will now symbolize his enduring presence among his teammates and fans. Matthew Gaudreau's legacy at Boston College, where he wore number 21, will similarly be honored through these season-long remembrances.
The Blue Jackets' commitment to remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau illustrates the powerful bond within the hockey community, demonstrating how the sport often reflects the broader human experience of loss, remembrance, and the pursuit of legacy.
This season, every game and every moment of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ journey will carry the poignant memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, making the ice not just a battlefield for competition but a canvas for tribute and unforgettable reverence.