In a move that underscores the deep connections between sports, community, and memory, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced a series of tributes dedicated to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season. The tributes come in the wake of the tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers, who died in a bicycle accident last month.
A Season of Remembrance
The Blue Jackets' dedication to honoring the Gaudreaus will be evident from the moment the players step onto the ice. Beginning with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23, the team will wear special helmet stickers. These stickers, adorned in blue with gray trim, prominently feature "GAUDREAU" surrounding two doves nestled between the numbers 13 and 21. The numbers are not arbitrary; they are a poignant representation of the brothers' athletic careers. Johnny Gaudreau was known for wearing number 13 during his illustrious NHL career, while Matthew Gaudreau sported number 21 at Boston College.
This emblem of commemoration will be a constant presence, with Columbus players committed to wearing the stickers throughout the entire season. The dedication will also extend beyond the visual, as the team plans to observe a moment of silence before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, offering a collective pause to remember Johnny and Matthew.
Community Support and Contribution
The tributes do not end on the ice. The Blue Jackets have also organized a unique 50/50 raffle to take place during all four of their home preseason games. The proceeds from these raffles will go to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, an organization likely established to continue the legacy and memory of the brothers, emphasizing the community and charitable spirit they embodied.
Season-Long Tribute
Columbus's commitment to honoring Johnny Gaudreau will further be highlighted in every regular season game. The team will don a special patch bearing Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys, ensuring his memory accompanies each game. The significance of this tribute will be palpable during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, where each attending fan will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, creating a shared experience of remembrance and solidarity among the Columbus fanbase.
A Tragic Loss
The accident that took the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, further intensifying the tragedy of the brothers’ untimely passing. The memory of this devastating event adds a layer of emotional depth to the tributes planned by the Blue Jackets.
Upcoming Season Highlights
As the Blue Jackets prepare for an emotionally charged season, key dates are already marked on fans' calendars. The first regular season game on October 10 against the Minnesota Wild will be a momentous occasion, but it's the home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15 that promises to be a significant event, engaging the community in a collective act of remembrance for Johnny and Matthew.
The thoughtful and multifaceted approach taken by the Columbus Blue Jackets serves not only as a means to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau but also as a poignant reminder of the ways in which professional sports teams can support and uplift their communities in times of sorrow. As the season progresses, the legacy of the Gaudreau brothers will continue to resonate, both on and off the ice.