The Columbus Blue Jackets will honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season in a series of heartfelt tributes. The team’s tribute comes after the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed in a bicycle accident last month.
The Blue Jackets' tribute will begin with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. For this game and throughout the season, players will wear special helmet stickers to commemorate the Gaudreau brothers. These stickers, symbolic in their design, are blue with a gray trim and feature "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21, representing Johnny and Matthew's jersey numbers.
Johnny Gaudreau, a pivotal figure in the NHL, was known for wearing the number 13 during his career. His brother, Matthew, carried the number 21 during his time at Boston College. These symbolic numbers will serve as a reminder of their impact and legacy.
The tribute will take an emotional turn before the Blue Jackets’ first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, when the team will hold a moment of silence to honor Johnny and Matthew. This moment will provide players, staff, and fans alike an opportunity to reflect on the lives and memories of the Gaudreau brothers.
Alongside these gestures, 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, ensuring that the brothers' legacy continues to make a positive impact off the ice.
The regular season intensifies the tribute starting with the first game against the Minnesota Wild on October 10. The Blue Jackets will wear a special patch bearing Johnny's number 13 on their jerseys throughout the entire season, further embedding his memory into every game and every effort on the ice.
On October 15, during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers, the team will extend the tribute to their passionate fan base. Every fan attending the game will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, allowing them to join the team in commemorating Johnny Gaudreau's profound legacy.
The incident that led to this outpouring of remembrance was a tragic bicycle accident that occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck by a drunk driver while they were out riding. The driver has been arrested and faces two counts of death by auto. This heartbreak has reverberated through the Blue Jackets' community and the broader hockey world.
The Blue Jackets' comprehensive tribute to the Gaudreau brothers is a testament to the bond shared within the hockey community. By donning helmet stickers, holding moments of silence, and engaging fans with special patches, the team ensures that the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is honored both on and off the ice. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the memory of the Gaudreau brothers will accompany every game, reminding all of the impact these two individuals had on the sport and its community.