The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced a touching and heartfelt tribute in memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident last month. Throughout the 2024-25 season, the club plans to honor the memory of the Gaudreau brothers with various commemorative gestures designed to keep their legacy alive.
Commemorative Helmet Stickers
Beginning with their first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 23, Blue Jackets players will wear special helmet stickers to honor Johnny and Matthew. The stickers, which are blue with gray trim, display the name "GAUDREAU" encasing two doves positioned between the numbers 13 and 21. This design is symbolic, as Johnny Gaudreau proudly wore number 13 during his NHL career, while Matthew donned number 21 during his time at Boston College.
A Season of Remembrance
The tribute extends throughout the entire season, with Columbus players donning these special helmet stickers in all their games. Furthermore, before their first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on September 25, the Blue Jackets will observe a moment of silence to remember Johnny and Matthew, ensuring their impact is felt by both teammates and fans alike.
Support Through Community Initiatives
In addition to these personal tributes on the ice, the Blue Jackets will host a unique 50/50 raffle during all four of their home preseason games, with all proceeds benefiting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This foundation serves as a means to honor the brothers' memory, ensuring that their contributions to the sport and the community continue to have a lasting impact.
First Regular Season Game
The Blue Jackets' regular season begins with a matchup against the Minnesota Wild on October 10. In this game, and indeed throughout the entire season, the team will wear a special patch bearing Johnny Gaudreau’s number 13 on their jerseys. This gesture underscores the team's commitment to honoring Johnny’s legacy in every game they play.
Moreover, during the Blue Jackets' home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 15, fans attending the game will receive a replica of the No. 13 patch. This thoughtful keepsake allows the community to share in the commemoration and keep the Gaudreau family's memory close to their hearts.
A Tragic Loss
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's lives were cut short due to a tragic accident when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver involved in the accident has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, adding a grievous legal dimension to this already heartbreaking story.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare for the upcoming season, their initiatives not only honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau but also serve as a powerful reminder of the community’s resilience and capacity for compassion in times of tragedy. The team’s actions exemplify how sports organizations can play a pivotal role in supporting and uplifting their members and fans during difficult times.