As the Columbus Blue Jackets gear up for the 2024-25 NHL season, they are set to pay a heartfelt and continuous tribute to the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month, a devastating event that has deeply affected the hockey community.
Honoring the Gaudreau Legacy
The Blue Jackets have announced several poignant gestures to honor the brothers' memory, beginning with special helmet stickers. Starting from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23, the team will don blue stickers with gray trim. These stickers will prominently feature the name "GAUDREAU" with two doves encased between the numbers 13 and 21—each reflecting the respective jersey numbers Johnny and Matthew wore during their careers. Johnny Gaudreau made a name for himself wearing number 13 in the NHL, while Matthew showcased his talent at Boston College wearing number 21.
The homage will extend across the regular season. Every Columbus player will wear these commemorative helmet stickers through the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign, underscoring how deeply the memory of the Gaudreau brothers is ingrained in the team's heart and spirit.
A Season of Remembrance
The team plans to hold a solemn moment of silence before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25. This touching tribute aims to offer a moment of collective remembrance for fans and players alike.
A unique initiative will also see a 50/50 raffle conducted during all four Blue Jackets home preseason games, with all proceeds going to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This foundation, set up in honor of the brothers, aims to support and uplift communities, perpetuating the philanthropic ideals held by Johnny and Matthew.
Season Opener and Fan Participation
The emotional gravity of this tribute will likely resonate most profoundly during the Blue Jackets' regular season opener against the Minnesota Wild on October 10. The team will wear jerseys bearing a special patch of Johnny's number 13 throughout the campaign, marking yet another gesture to keep the Gaudreau legacy alive and visible at every turn.
When the Blue Jackets host their home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, fans will also get a chance to participate in this tribute. All attendees will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, allowing them to wear their support and memory of Johnny Gaudreau prominently.
Tragedy Strikes
The tragic accident that took Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's lives occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were riding bicycles when a drunk driver struck them. The driver has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. This unfortunate incident has brought a wave of sorrow, not just to the Blue Jackets organization but to the broader hockey community.
The tribute and commemorations planned by the Blue Jackets serve as poignant reminders of the impact Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had on those around them. Their memory will undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the upcoming season, but it will also illuminate the love and camaraderie that defines the sport and its community.