Blue Jackets to Honor Gaudreau Brothers Throughout the 2024-25 Season
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to pay a touching tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau during the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season. The two brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month, casting a shadow of sorrow over the hockey community. However, their memory will be honored in numerous heartfelt ways, both on and off the ice.
The Blue Jackets will debut special helmet stickers to commemorate Johnny and Matthew starting with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. The stickers, designed with deep reverence, will be blue with gray trim, featuring "GAUDREAU" encircling two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. These numbers hold significant meaning, as Johnny Gaudreau wore number 13 during his illustrious NHL career, while Matthew donned number 21 at Boston College.
These commemorative stickers are more than mere symbols; they represent the enduring legacy of the Gaudreau brothers. Columbus players will wear these stickers throughout the entire season, ensuring that Johnny and Matthew's spirits remain a part of every game played.
In addition to the helmet stickers, the Blue Jackets will also observe a moment of silence before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25. This solemn pause will offer fans and players alike a moment to reflect on the lives and contributions of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
The team has also announced a series of charitable initiatives aimed at supporting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. A unique 50/50 raffle will be held during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games, with proceeds going directly to the foundation. This initiative not only honors the memory of the Gaudreau brothers but also aims to make a positive difference in the community in their name.
The Blue Jackets will take on the Minnesota Wild in their first regular-season game on October 10. As they step onto the ice, they will do so bearing a special patch featuring Johnny's number 13 on their jerseys. This patch, worn throughout the season, will serve as a constant reminder of Johnny's enduring influence and the void left by his untimely passing.
Moreover, the Columbus Blue Jackets have curated a special experience for all fans attending their home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15. Each attendee will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, allowing fans to share in commemorating Johnny Gaudreau's legacy. This gesture exemplifies the team’s commitment to uniting the community in grieving and remembering one of their own.
The tragedy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's accident has resonated deeply within the hockey community. They were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' heartfelt tributes and initiatives stand as a testament to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s impact on the sport and their lasting legacy. As the season progresses, the brothers’ memory will be interwoven into every game, every goal, and every moment of silence, providing a poignant reminder of their passion and dedication to the sport they loved.