In the realm of professional sports, tributes are oftentimes powerful, heartfelt acknowledgments of those we've lost. This coming hockey season, the Columbus Blue Jackets plan to honor the memories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two promising young men whose lives were tragically cut short in a bicycle accident last month. The 2024-25 season will be a testament to their memories, with several initiatives rolled out by the team.
A Season of Remembrance
The tribute will begin during the Blue Jackets' first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. The players will wear special helmet stickers, a small yet significant gesture to keep Johnny and Matthew close to their hearts. These stickers, blue with gray trim, will encase two doves between the numbers 13 and 21, symbolizing the numbers worn by the Gaudreau brothers. Johnny, an NHL standout, wore number 13, while Matthew sported number 21 during his time at Boston College.
This symbolic act of remembrance is not limited to just one game. Columbus players will carry Johnny and Matthew with them through every game of the season, wearing the special stickers as a constant reminder of their impact and legacy.
A Moment of Silence
Tributes will expand beyond the stickers. On September 25, before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues, the Blue Jackets will hold a moment of silence. This gesture will offer a poignant pause for everyone present to reflect on Johnny and Matthew's lives and the heartbreak their loss has brought to the community.
Fundraising for a Cause
The team will also engage in fundraising efforts to support the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, established in memory of the brothers. A unique 50/50 raffle will take place during each of the Blue Jackets' four home preseason games, with all proceeds going to the foundation. This initiative is a testament to the team’s commitment to turning tragedy into a force for good, supporting causes the Gaudreau family holds dear.
Regular Season Commemorations
The regular season will see further efforts to celebrate Johnny's enduring legacy. The Blue Jackets' first game against the Minnesota Wild on October 10 will feature players wearing a special patch bearing Johnny’s number 13. This patch will remain on their jerseys for the entire season, serving as a lasting emblem of Johnny's influence on the ice and in the hearts of the fans.
In a touching gesture for the home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, all attending fans will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch. This gift allows the community to participate in the tribute, collectively mourning the loss and celebrating the lives of Johnny and Matthew.
A Tragic Incident
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were tragically 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, intensifying the community’s grief and anger over this preventable tragedy. While the legal processes unfold, the Blue Jackets' focus remains on celebrating the brothers’ lives and supporting the Gaudreau family through these difficult times.
In the face of this heartbreaking loss, the Columbus Blue Jackets are epitomizing the strength and solidarity of the sports community. Their planned tributes throughout the 2024-25 season are a testament to the enduring impact Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have had, ensuring their memories will be honored and cherished by teammates, fans, and the broader hockey community.