Sports possess a special power to unite. Championships bring cities together, but fans also bond over crumbled dynasties.
Another unfortunate reality that also serves as a mode of universal connection is loss. For the NHL and Blue Jackets fans in particular, this became all too relevant in August, less than two months away from the 2024-25 season.
Johnny Gaudreau, who spent 11 seasons in the league and two in Columbus, was struck and killed by a car while riding a bicycle in August. His brother Matthew, with whom he played at Boston College, also died in the traffic accident.
While Johnny Gaudreau was not in attendance at the Blue Jackets’ home opener Tuesday against the Panthers, his spirit was alive and well at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Here’s everything to know about the Blue Jackets’ tribute to the late NHL star.
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Blue Jackets honor Johnny Gaudreau at home opener
Before the puck was dropped Tuesday, the Blue Jackets held a tribute to Gaudreau on the ice. The team also posted a heartfelt video in memory of the star, featuring interview clips with Gaudreau and old videos from his childhood start in the sport.
Tonight we honor the lasting impact that Johnny Gaudreau has made on the game of hockey, the city of Columbus, his family, friends and teammates, and all those who will continue to be inspired by his play ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RcudI1DpzJ
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
During the memorial, with the ice glowing a bright blue, the Blue Jackets raised a white banner with Gaudreau’s name across the top and the years of his birth and death. Underneath was his No. 13 and the Columbus logo.
A banner commemorating the life of Johnny Gaudreau has been raised to the rafters at Nationwide Arena. Sean Monahan standing with the Gaudreau family for the ceremony. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/4WGig0f754
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) October 15, 2024
On the concourse inside Nationwide Arena, there is also a display to honor both of the Gaudreau brothers. In glass cases are both of their jerseys, Matthew’s from Boston College and Johnny’s from his NHL career. Among the uniforms are also hockey sticks, signed posters and other items fans would associate with the pair.
The memorial display for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau inside Nationwide Arena ❤️
(via @NHL) pic.twitter.com/xicfpxxwnT
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 15, 2024
It wasn’t just the Blue Jackets who honored their fallen brother. Florida players entered the arena with purple Gatorade and Skittles in hand, a reference to Johnny’s go-to treats and an idea credited to Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk. The candy also has a special meaning for Johnny, who wrote in The Players’ Tribune in 2016 that his father used Skittles to coax him out onto the ice when he was learning to skate.
Panthers players with a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau as they enter Nationwide Arena for Columbus’s home opener 💜
(via @FlaPanthers, @KatieEngleson) pic.twitter.com/6RmQyl541q
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 15, 2024
Finally, after the opening whistle, both teams united to allow a 13-second runoff before play began, another tribute to Johnny’s number to open the 2024 season. Columbus
The Blue Jackets and Panthers let 13 seconds comes off the clock on the opening draw. pic.twitter.com/3CDVrR9OSe
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 15, 2024
Reactions to Johnny Gaudreau tribute
There were many reactions in person and online to the Gaudreau tribute at Tuesday’s game. Here are some of the best snippets.
Sean Monahan holding Johnny Gaudreau’s son in the pregame ceremony. His parents and family there.
Heavy, heavy scenes.
Life is precious. Forever a legend, 13. pic.twitter.com/8OQoWRHiYX
— Tim Preston (@TimmyTebrows) October 15, 2024
The strength of Meredith Gaudreau and the whole Gaudreau family is truly remarkable.
As she took the ice Sean Monahan stepped right up to stand beside her as they raised the number 13 here forever in Nationwide Arena. pic.twitter.com/33oEs2cg6l
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) October 15, 2024
Both teams warming up wearing Gaudreau jerseys 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2U4I4GJDLc
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) October 15, 2024
Man, this Johnny Gaudreau tribute really hammered home the fact that he cared so much about so many people.
The parts about his dad, Guy, his wife, Meredith, and even the carefully selected Flames clips containing Matthew Tkachuk tugged so hard at the heart strings.
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) October 15, 2024
the gaudreau ceremony is so, so beautiful and utterly, utterly heartbreaking 💔
— dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) October 15, 2024
Matthew Tkachuk shared this heartfelt message as he will not be able to attend Tuesday’s ceremony honoring Johnny Gaudreau in Columbus’ home opener due to an illness ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BZIjqExVJq
— ESPN (@espn) October 15, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau stats
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
| 2013-14 | Flames | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014-15 | Flames | 80 | 24 | 40 | 64 | 11 |
| 2015-16 | Flames | 79 | 30 | 48 | 78 | 4 |
| 2016-17 | Flames | 72 | 18 | 43 | 61 | -7 |
| 2017-18 | Flames | 80 | 24 | 60 | 84 | 2 |
| 2018-19 | Flames | 82 | 36 | 63 | 99 | 18 |
| 2019-20 | Flames | 70 | 18 | 40 | 58 | -10 |
| 2020-21 | Flames | 56 | 19 | 30 | 49 | 2 |
| 2021-22 | Flames | 82 | 40 | 75 | 115 | 64 |
| 2022-23 | Blue Jackets | 80 | 21 | 53 | 74 | -33 |
| 2023-24 | Blue Jackets | 81 | 12 | 48 | 60 | -27 |
| Total | — | 763 | 243 | 500 | 743 | 25 |
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