The Columbus Blue Jackets are planning to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau throughout the 2024-25 season, according to an announcement from the team.
Beginning with the Blue Jackets’ first preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on Sept. 23, the team will wear a special sticker on their helmets to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Columbus will wear the special helmet stickers through the duration of the 2024-25 season.
The sticker will be blue with gray trim and feature “GAUDREAU” along with two doves between the numbers 13 and 21. Johnny wore No. 13 throughout his entire NHL career, while Matthew wore No. 21 during his time at Boston College.
The Blue Jackets will also hold a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau prior to the team’s first home preseason game against the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 25. Columbus will also found a 50/50 raffle during all four home preseason games. Proceeds from the sale of those raffle tickets will go towards the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
The Blue Jackets will wear a special patch with Johnny’s No. 13 on their jerseys, beginning with their first regular-season game against the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 10. The special patch will be worn throughout the entire season.
The Gaudreaus will be honored during the team’s home opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 15. All fans attending the game will receive a No. 13 patch identical to what the jerseys will wear.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were were riding bicycles in OIdmans Township, New Jersey when they were struck and killed by a drunk driver last month, according to police. The driver was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced their tribute plans for the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau in the upcoming 2024-25 season. Gaudreau, who tragically passed away earlier this year, was a beloved player not only in Columbus but across the entire league.
The Blue Jackets organization has decided to honor Gaudreau’s memory in a number of ways throughout the season. One of the most prominent tributes will be a special ceremony before the team’s home opener, where Gaudreau’s family will be in attendance to receive a commemorative plaque in his honor. The team will also wear a patch on their jerseys throughout the season with Gaudreau’s number and initials to pay tribute to their fallen teammate.
In addition to these on-ice tributes, the Blue Jackets will also be hosting a charity event in Gaudreau’s name to raise money for a cause that was close to his heart. The team will be working closely with Gaudreau’s family to determine the best way to honor his legacy and give back to the community in his memory.
Fans of the Blue Jackets and hockey fans in general are encouraged to participate in these tribute events and show their support for Gaudreau’s family during this difficult time. The outpouring of love and support from the hockey community has been overwhelming, and the Blue Jackets are committed to honoring Gaudreau’s memory in a meaningful and respectful way.
Overall, the tribute plans for Johnny Gaudreau in the upcoming 2024-25 season are a fitting way to remember a player who meant so much to so many people. The Blue Jackets organization is dedicated to honoring his legacy and ensuring that he is never forgotten.
