On Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets played their first home game of the year, taking on the Florida Panthers. Throughout the game, both teams took time to pay tribute to Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died before the start of the season.
Tonight we honor the lasting impact Johnny Gaudreau has had 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 game pic.twitter.com/RcudI1DpzJ
– Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey in late August. Their deaths sparked an outpouring of sympathy across the hockey world, with fans leaving flowers and items outside Columbus Stadium to honor the late forward.
The Blue Jackets built a similar tribute at the stadium for Tuesday’s game, which included items left at the fan memorial.
A tribute to Johnny Gaudreau will be on display for fans in attendance tonight and throughout the season. #CBJ games.
The tribute includes a replica locker, game-worn jerseys and equipment by Johnny, and fan memorial items. pic.twitter.com/cEQKxSOGqC
– Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
The Blue Jackets and Panthers paid additional tributes to Gaudreau throughout the matchup. Both teams wore Gaudreau’s number 13 jersey during warmups, and Columbus also painted the number 13 on the field behind the goals.
The Blue Jackets also raised a banner in Gaudreau’s honor before the game, with his wife Meredith and their children there to watch it go up.
Before the game, the Panthers arrived at the stadium with purple Gatorade and Skittles, two of Gaudreau’s favorites. Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk, a longtime teammate and friend of Gaudreau, suggested the idea, according to the Panthers’ courtside reporter. Katie Engleson.
Tkachuk, who has been dealing with an illness, did not travel to Columbus, but posted a heartfelt message through the Panthers’ social media channels. The two played together for six seasons on the Calgary Flames.
The Blue Jackets and Panthers let 13 seconds pass after puck drop, another tribute to Gaudreau’s number 13. Columbus also started the game with four players on the ice, leaving open the left wing spot, Gaudreau’s position, in his honor.
