In a somber and heartfelt gesture, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced a series of tributes to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season. The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month, and the team is committed to paying tribute in various poignant ways.
Special Helmet Stickers
Beginning with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23, the Blue Jackets will wear special helmet stickers in memory of Johnny and Matthew. The design of these stickers is thought-provoking: they are blue with gray trim, featuring the name "GAUDREAU," encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. This symbolic gesture is deeply personal, as Johnny Gaudreau wore number 13 during his NHL career, while Matthew Gaudreau was known for wearing number 21 at Boston College. The entire Columbus team will sport these stickers for the duration of the 2024-25 season.
Moments of Silence and Home Game Tributes
The Blue Jackets organization will open their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25 with a moment of silence to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. This solemn observance will set the tone for a season filled with tributes, allowing fans and players alike to remember the brothers and reflect on their impact. Additionally, a special 50/50 raffle will be conducted during all four home preseason games, with proceeds dedicated to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This foundation aims to continue the goodwill and community spirit that the Gaudreau family has been known for.
Season-Long Remembrance
The Columbus Blue Jackets have also decided to integrate Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy into their regular-season kit. A special patch, showcasing Johnny’s number 13, will be donned on their jerseys for the entire season. This tribute goes beyond just the players, as fans will be included in this homage during the home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15. Everyone attending the game will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, further uniting the community in remembrance.
Opening Regular Season Against the Minnesota Wild
The Blue Jackets will kick off their regular season on October 10 against the Minnesota Wild. While this game marks the beginning of their competitive journey, it also symbolizes a season dedicated to honoring the legacy of the Gaudreau brothers. The commitment of the Blue Jackets to keep Johnny and Matthew’s memory alive will be evident in every game they play, every victory they celebrate, and every challenge they face.
The Tragic Event
The necessity for these tributes stems from a tragic event that has left an indelible mark on the hockey community. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were fatally struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver involved in the accident was apprehended and charged with two counts of death by auto. The abrupt and heartbreaking loss of the Gaudreau brothers has resonated deeply, prompting these thorough and heartfelt gestures from the Blue Jackets organization.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' extensive plans to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season are a testament to the brothers’ impact both on and off the ice. These tributes not only serve as a reminder of their talents and contributions to the sport but also reinforce the importance of community and the enduring spirit of those who have left us too soon.