The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to honor the memories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season. The Gaudreau brothers' tragic passing last month in a bicycle accident has left a significant mark on the hockey community, prompting the team to pay heartfelt tribute in multiple ways. These gestures are aimed at commemorating the lives and legacy of Johnny Gaudreau, who wore number 13 during his NHL career, and his brother Matthew, who donned number 21 at Boston College.
In-Season Tributes
Starting from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23, Blue Jackets players will sport special helmet stickers in tribute to Johnny and Matthew. These stickers, designed with a blue background and gray trim, will prominently feature "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. This heartfelt symbol will be a prominent feature on the players' helmets for the entirety of the 2024-25 season, ensuring that the Gaudreau brothers' presence is felt on the ice.
In addition to the helmet stickers, the team will don a special patch on their jerseys, bearing Johnny’s number 13. This patch will be a constant visual reminder of Johnny’s indomitable spirit and contributions to the sport. Fans attending the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15 will receive a replica of this No. 13 patch, allowing them to join the team in honoring Johnny’s memory.
Preseason Memorials
Before the first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will hold a solemn moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew. This poignant tribute will serve as a moment of reflection and collective mourning for fans, players, and staff alike, acknowledging the profound loss sustained by the Gaudreau family and the broader hockey community.
Moreover, a unique 50/50 raffle will be conducted during all four of the Blue Jackets' home preseason games. The proceeds from these raffles will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, supporting charitable initiatives that resonate with the values and passions of the Gaudreau brothers. This charitable endeavor highlights the team's commitment to turning their grief into positive action, fostering community support in memory of Johnny and Matthew.
Season Opener
The Blue Jackets' first regular season game is scheduled to take place against the Minnesota Wild on October 10. As the team steps onto the ice for the start of the 2024-25 campaign, they will carry the weight of this tribute, blending their pursuit of hockey excellence with a deep sense of remembrance and respect.
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 involved in the accident was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. This devastating accident has served as a stark reminder of the perils of impaired driving, adding a layer of advocacy to the Blue Jackets' tributes.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' season-long tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau represents a poignant blend of mourning and celebration. Through helmet stickers, jersey patches, moments of silence, and charitable initiatives, the team is ensuring that the Gaudreau brothers' legacy endures, fostering a sense of community and remembrance that transcends the sport itself. As the Blue Jackets embark on the 2024-25 season, they carry with them the spirits of Johnny and Matthew, inspiring both celebration and reflection among players, fans, and the wider hockey world.