In what promises to be an emotional and poignant season, the Columbus Blue Jackets will pay tribute to the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season. The Gaudreau brothers, tragically lost in a bicycle accident last month, will be honored through a series of heartfelt gestures that underscore the deep sense of loss felt within the hockey community.
A Season-long Tribute
Kicking off their tribute, the Blue Jackets will don special helmet stickers in honor of Johnny and Matthew from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. These stickers, blue with gray trim, encapsulate the names "GAUDREAU" flanking two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. Johnny Gaudreau, a revered figure in the NHL, wore number 13 during his illustrious career, while Matthew proudly wore number 21 at Boston College. The team will wear these stickers throughout the entire season, ensuring that the memory of the Gaudreau brothers remains ever-present.
Moments of Silence and Special Events
Adding to the season's solemnity, before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will hold a moment of silence to honor Johnny and Matthew. This gesture will be a touching moment for fans and players alike to pay their respects and reflect on the brothers' lives and contributions to the sport.
The team will also host a unique 50/50 raffle during all four of their home preseason games. Proceeds from these raffles will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, allowing the brothers' legacy to support causes they were passionate about.
The Season's Milestones
The Blue Jackets' first regular season game against the Minnesota Wild on October 10 will mark another significant moment in this season of remembrance. The team will wear a special patch emblazoned with Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys throughout the entire season, further cementing his legacy within the team and the hearts of fans.
In what promises to be a memorable occasion, fans attending the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15 will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch. This gesture ensures that the Gaudreau brothers' spirit will be shared among the community, fostering a sense of unity and collective remembrance.
Reflecting on the Tragedy
The tragic incident that claimed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau occurred when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver responsible for this heart-wrenching loss was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. This tragedy has resonated deeply within the hockey community, drawing attention to the ever-important issue of road safety.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets embark on their 2024-25 season, their tributes to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau serve as a powerful reminder of the brothers' impact both on and off the ice. Through helmet stickers, moments of silence, special events, and memorial patches, the team ensures that their memory will continue to inspire and resonate throughout the season.