The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced a deeply emotional tribute to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season. The Gaudreau brothers tragically passed away last month in a bicycle accident, a loss that has left a significant impact on the hockey community.
Honoring the Gaudreau Brothers
In memory of Johnny and Matthew, the Blue Jackets will proudly wear special helmet stickers starting from their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23. The stickers, designed with blue and gray trim, will feature the name "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves between the numbers 13 and 21, representing Johnny’s and Matthew’s jersey numbers, respectively.
Johnny Gaudreau, a former NHL standout, wore number 13 during his career, while Matthew donned number 21 during his time at Boston College. The helmet stickers will be a fixture for Columbus players throughout the entire 2024-25 season. Additionally, before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will hold a moment of silence to honor the Gaudreau brothers.
Supporting a Cause
To further commemorate Johnny and Matthew, the Blue Jackets have announced a unique 50/50 raffle for all four of their home preseason games. Proceeds from these raffles will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, an organization set up to continue the legacy of the brothers and support causes close to their hearts.
Season-Long Tributes
The tributes will extend well beyond the preseason. The Blue Jackets’ first regular season game is scheduled for October 10 against the Minnesota Wild. Throughout the entire season, the team will wear a special patch featuring Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys. This gesture ensures that every jersey on the ice serves as a poignant reminder of Johnny’s contributions to the sport and the profound loss felt by the community.
The Blue Jackets’ home opener on October 15 against the Florida Panthers will have a special giveaway for fans. Every attendee will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch, allowing them to participate in the commemoration and carry the Gaudreau spirit with them.
A Tragic Loss
The Gaudreau brothers' lives were tragically cut short when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. This devastating incident has not only shaken their family but also resonated deeply within the hockey world. The driver responsible for the accident has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ season-long tributes to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau serve as a heartfelt recognition of their lives and the joy they brought to those around them. Through the helmet stickers, patches, moments of silence, and charitable initiatives, the Blue Jackets aim to keep the memory of Johnny and Matthew alive in the hearts of fans and players alike. As the team commemorates their spirits, it underscores the close-knit nature of the hockey community, always coming together in times of both triumph and tragedy.