In an emotional tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced plans to honor the brothers throughout the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season. The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives last month in a bicycle accident, a devastating event that has deeply affected the hockey community and beyond.
A Season of Remembrance
The Blue Jackets plan to start their homage in their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23 by adorning special helmet stickers. These stickers, significant in their simplicity yet powerful in their message, will be blue with gray trim. They will feature "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves, between the numbers 13 and 21. Johnny Gaudreau, during his illustrious NHL career, famously wore number 13, while his brother Matthew wore number 21 during his tenure at Boston College.
The preseason will be marked with remembrance and respect, starting with a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25. This poignant gesture will set the tone for a season dedicated to the memory of the late brothers.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Beyond symbolic gestures, the Blue Jackets are actively contributing to the legacy of Johnny and Matthew through charitable efforts. A unique 50/50 raffle will be conducted during all four of the team’s home preseason games, with proceeds benefiting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This foundation likely aims to carry on the brothers' legacies through community support and initiatives, driving home the positive impact they had both on and off the ice.
Honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s Legacy
As the regular season begins, the Blue Jackets will continue to honor Johnny specifically with a special patch bearing his number 13 on their jerseys. The team’s first regular-season game against the Minnesota Wild on October 10 will mark the inception of this tribute, which will persist throughout the season. Additionally, during their home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, fans will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, ensuring that every game played in the Blue Jackets' arena is infused with the memory of Johnny’s contributions to the sport.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The tragic incident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, where the brothers were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles. The driver responsible was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, a somber reminder of the consequences of impaired driving.
The outpouring of grief and support from the hockey community has been immense, underlining the impact the Gaudreau brothers had during their lives. Johnny Gaudreau, known for his on-ice prowess and sportsmanship, and Matthew Gaudreau, celebrated for his collegiate career and the potential he held, are remembered fondly by fans, teammates, and fellow athletes alike.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets embark on this season of remembrance, their efforts to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau encapsulate the spirit of solidarity and respect that defines the sport. Through helmet stickers, jersey patches, moments of silence, and charitable initiatives, the team and its fans unite in celebrating the lives and legacies of two individuals who left an indelible mark on the hockey world.