The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to pay tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a heartfelt manner throughout the 2024-25 NHL season. The tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew last month in a bicycle accident has left an indelible mark on the team and community.
A Season-Long Tribute
Starting with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23, the Blue Jackets will wear special helmet stickers in honor of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The stickers, which will be blue with gray trim, feature "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. Johnny Gaudreau wore number 13 during his illustrious NHL career, while Matthew Gaudreau donned number 21 at Boston College.
The tribute will be a season-long affair, as Columbus players will sport these helmet stickers throughout the entire 2024-25 campaign. Such a gesture underscores the significant impact both Gaudreau brothers had on the hockey community, both professionally and at the collegiate level.
Preseason Honors and Fundraising Initiatives
In addition to the helmet stickers, the Blue Jackets have arranged for a moment of silence to be observed before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25. This solemn occasion will offer fans and players alike a moment to reflect on the lives and contributions of Johnny and Matthew.
The team's commitment to honoring the Gaudreau brothers extends beyond the ice. A unique 50/50 raffle will be held during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games, with proceeds benefiting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This initiative aims to continue the brothers' legacy by supporting causes they held dear.
Regular Season Remembrance
As the regular season kicks off, the Blue Jackets will host their first game against the Minnesota Wild on October 10. Throughout the season, the team will wear a special patch bearing Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys. Such a visible emblem serves as a constant reminder of Johnny's enduring presence in the sport.
The remembrance activities will reach their crescendo during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15. In an effort to involve fans in the tribute, all attendees at the home opener will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch.
A Tragic Accident and Legal Consequences
The shockwaves of the tragedy that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have reverberated far beyond the hockey world. The brothers were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. This incident has not only highlighted the perils of drunk driving but has also galvanized the community to rally around the cause of road safety.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' efforts to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season reflect both respect for the players and a commitment to their memory. While the absence of the Gaudreaus is deeply felt, these tributes ensure that their legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the hockey community.