Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Columbus Blue Jackets will pay a heartfelt tribute to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. This tribute comes in the wake of a tragic bicycle accident that claimed the lives of the Gaudreau brothers last month.
Johnny Gaudreau, known to many hockey enthusiasts as a talented forward who donned the number 13 jersey during his NHL career, and his brother Matthew, wearing number 21 at Boston College, will be remembered through various commemorative acts by the Blue Jackets. The team will begin their homage by donning special helmet stickers from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. These stickers, featuring a blue background with gray trim, will display "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21.
A Season of Remembrance
The Columbus Blue Jackets will carry these special stickers throughout the entire 2024-25 season. Symbolizing the brotherhood and bond between the Gaudreau siblings, these subtle but poignant tributes will be a constant reminder of their legacy on and off the ice.
Before the puck drops at their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will take a moment of silence. This gesture will allow fans, team members, and staff to reflect on and honor the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Additionally, to support causes dear to the Gaudreau family, a unique 50/50 raffle will be held during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games, with the proceeds going to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
On-Ice Memorials
The Blue Jackets' tributes won't be confined to preseason happenings. When the regular season kicks off against the Minnesota Wild on October 10, the team will wear a special patch featuring Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys for the entire season. This gesture aims to keep Johnny’s memory alive with every stride, hit, and goal.
To bring fans closer to this commemorative journey, during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, all attendees will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch. This not only serves as a memento but also as a communal emblem of support and remembrance shared between the team and its supporters.
Tragedy and Accountability
The circumstances surrounding the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have deeply impacted the hockey community. The brothers were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver involved in this tragic incident has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, highlighting the severe consequences of reckless behavior.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets embark on the 2024-25 season, their collective efforts to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau reflect a profound respect and enduring legacy. Through helmet stickers, jersey patches, and community-driven initiatives, the memory of these two brothers will resonate powerfully within the team and its fanbase, ensuring they are remembered and celebrated throughout the coming season and beyond.