The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season with a series of heartfelt tributes. The two brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month, casting a shadow over the hockey community and beyond.
Tribute through Helmet Stickers
To commemorate Johnny and Matthew, the Blue Jackets will don special helmet stickers starting from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. These stickers will be a touching tribute, featuring a blue background with gray trim. The name "GAUDREAU" will elegantly encase two doves, encapsulating the numbers 13 and 21—numbers significant to the brothers. Johnny Gaudreau wore number 13 during his illustrious NHL career, and Matthew wore number 21 during his time at Boston College.
The visual homage on the helmets serves as a poignant reminder of the Gaudreau brothers' impact both on and off the ice. Columbus players will sport these stickers for the entire 2024-25 season, an enduring symbol of remembrance throughout their campaign.
Moment of Silence and Special Raffle
A moment of silence will precede the Blue Jackets' first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, offering players, fans, and the entire hockey community a chance to honor Johnny and Matthew's memory.
Adding another layer to the commemorative efforts, a unique 50/50 raffle will be held during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games. Proceeds from these raffles will go to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, ensuring that the brothers' legacy contributes to positive causes despite their untimely passing.
Honoring Johnny Gaudreau Throughout the Season
The Blue Jackets will further honor Johnny Gaudreau during the regular season. The team's first regular season game against the Minnesota Wild on October 10 will mark the beginning of this poignant commemoration. Every Blue Jackets player will wear a special patch bearing Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys throughout the entire season.
This sartorial tribute will reach a crescendo during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15. In a touching gesture, all fans attending the game will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, allowing the entire community to collectively honor Johnny.
The Accident and Legal Proceedings
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's lives were tragically cut short when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver responsible for this heart-wrenching loss was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of death by auto. The charges reflect the severe consequences of the incident and underscore the devastation wrought by the driver’s actions.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' efforts to commemorate Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau stand as a testament to the brothers' profound impact, both in their personal lives and within the wider hockey community. Through these various tributes, the team and its fans will keep the memory of Johnny and Matthew alive, turning tragedy into a lasting legacy of love, remembrance, and community support.