Johnny Gaudreau’s Columbus teammates have been given a few options for how to handle their emotions during the Blue Jackets’ home opener. The Blue Jackets will be hosting the Florida Panthers in a highly emotional night in Columbus on Tuesday. This game will serve as a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, the star player who tragically lost his life alongside his brother Matthew Gaudreau in a fatal accident on August 29. The Gaudreau brothers were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding their bicycles on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.
The Blue Jackets are honoring the Gaudreau brothers by wearing decals on their helmets with the numbers 13 and 21, representing Johnny and Matthew's jersey numbers, along with the letter G. All 32 NHL teams are also participating in this tribute until October 24. The game will be filled with tributes, including players wearing jerseys bearing the name Gaudreau and number 13 during warmups, with these jerseys being auctioned off to benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
Both teams will have '13' tributes displayed prominently, and fans in attendance will receive a commemorative patch. The game will have a special puck drop time of 7:13, emphasizing the significance of the number 13 in honoring Johnny Gaudreau. Panthers coach Paul Maurice expressed his support for the emotional healing process that the Blue Jackets and their fans will go through during this tribute game.
Johnny Gaudreau, known as 'Johnny Hockey,' was a beloved player who had a significant impact on and off the ice. His former teammate Sean Monahan spoke highly of him, highlighting his influence on players across the league. Gaudreau's endearing use of the term 'donkey' has now become a symbol of pride for the Blue Jackets, with players embracing it as a tribute to their late teammate.
The Gaudreau family, including their father Guy Gaudreau, will be present at the game, continuing to receive support and tributes from the hockey community. The emotional impact of Johnny Gaudreau's passing will be felt for years to come, with the Blue Jackets and the entire NHL community honoring his memory in various ways.
Despite the sadness and loss, the tribute game serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy that Johnny Gaudreau has left behind, with his spirit and influence continuing to inspire players and fans alike.
