Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were honored at the Columbus Blue Jackets opening home game.
Ahead of the NHL’s team against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 15, the late Johnny Gaudreau’s teammates gathered to pay tribute to him and his brother after they were killed by an alleged drunk driver in August.
Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, was in attendance, along with their 2-year-old daughter Noa and son Johnny, who were wearing #13 jerseys. The three appeared on the ice as they raised a flag with the late athlete’s number. Meredith Gaudreau wiped away tears as little Noa appeared to wave to the flag.
A tribute video of Johnny Gaudreau’s early beginnings and hockey career was shown, with the late star talking about his love for the game. The video also highlighted his marriage and family.
In a pre-recorded video, Meredith Gaudreau, who is also pregnant with their third child, said she didn’t “want anyone to be sad. I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived.”
“That means love your family first and foremost, and when it’s time to drop the puck, let’s love the game that John loved,” she said.
A slideshow filled with family photos was also shared, with songs like “Memory Lane” by Old Dominion, “Small Town Girl” by Dustin Lynch and “Stargazing” by Justin Jeso and Kygo played. As the teams stepped out onto the ice, fans cheered, “Johnny hockey.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s family, including his mom and dad, were also in attendance, as was Matthew Gaudreau’s widow, Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting her and her late husband’s first child together.
A PSA was also shared during the game, saying, “If you are drinking tonight, do not drink and drive.”
To continue the tributes, the Blue Jackets players wore a “13” patch on their jerseys, which they will wear all season. Everyone who attended the game also received the “13” patch.
When the game started, the team “saved a spot for Johnny“ by not including a left winger and 13 seconds taken off the clock for him.
At Nationwide Arena there is also a special tribute for the brothers that include jerseys and items. During the night there were various opportunities to raise funds for the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation like a jersey auction, raffles, auction and a lapel pin sales.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver that resulted in their deaths, according to police. The brothers were in their hometown and set to attend their sister’s wedding.
Madeline Gaudreau recently held her baby shower and paid tribute to her late husband with the decor. A poster shared on her Instagram read “Welcome To Our Baby Shower, Matty & Madeline.”
Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting a baby boy, wrote on her post, “my husband would have loved all the balloons.”
“The way you were able to tie in my husband brought instant tears when I walked in,” she wrote. “All my friends and family, nothing will bring his dad back or uncle john, but I am glad he has so many amazing people around him to remind him how amazing they were.”
Last month, the Blue Jackets and their families also celebrated Johnny and Meredith’s daughter Noa’s second birthday by gathering and setting up a giant lawn sign that read, “Happy 2nd Birthday Noa!”