Columbus Blue Jackets to Honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in 2024-25 Season
The Columbus Blue Jackets will be honoring the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a series of heartfelt tributes throughout the 2024-25 hockey season. This tribute comes after the tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers in a bicycle accident last month.
A Season of Remembrance
The Blue Jackets have planned numerous ways to commemorate the lives of Johnny and Matthew, starting with special helmet stickers that players will don beginning with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. These blue stickers, trimmed in gray, will feature the name "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21, symbolizing the numbers the brothers wore during their hockey careers—Johnny's number 13 from his NHL career and Matthew's number 21 at Boston College.
It's not just in the preseason that these stickers will be worn; Columbus players will sport them throughout the entire season, a constant visual reminder of the Gaudreau brothers' impact on the hockey community.
A Moment of Silence and Special Patches
Before the first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will hold a moment of silence to honor Johnny and Matthew. Additionally, the team will wear a special patch with Johnny's number 13 on their jerseys throughout the season. This patch will serve as a symbol of Johnny's indelible presence in the sport and his enduring legacy.
The tribute extends to the fans as well. During the home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, all attendees will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, allowing fans to join in the commemoration of Johnny's contributions to the game and community.
Supporting the Gaudreau Foundation
In conjunction with these on-ice tributes, a unique 50/50 raffle will be held during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games. The proceeds from these raffles will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, bolstering the mission of the foundation to make a positive impact in their memory.
The team’s first regular season game will be against the Minnesota Wild on October 10, marking the beginning of the season-long tribute.
Tragic Circumstances
The Gaudreau brothers were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver responsible for the accident has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets and the entire hockey community come together to honor the memories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, this season will undoubtedly be marked by a deep sense of loss, remembrance, and solidarity. The various tributes planned are a testament to the brothers' lasting impact on and off the ice.