A Touching Tribute to the Gaudreau Brothers
During the Columbus Blue Jackets’ home opener against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, emotions ran high as the team held a touching ceremony to honor the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, whose recent tragic deaths have deeply affected the community. The brothers lost their lives on August 29 when a suspected drunk driver collided with them while they were biking, just one night before their sister Kate’s wedding. This heartbreaking incident has left a profound impact on many.
In a show of solidarity, both the Blue Jackets and the Panthers wore jerseys bearing Gaudreau’s No. 13 during pregame warm-ups. Friends and family members were present, including Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, and his brother-in-law, Eddie, who brought Gaudreau’s children, Noa and Johnny, to center ice for a heartfelt tribute. As a banner displaying Johnny Gaudreau’s number 13 and the years “1993-2024” was unveiled, Meredith wiped away tears. Meanwhile, the Gaudreau family—parents and sisters—embraced each other in the bench area as the banner ascended to the rafters, marking a poignant moment of remembrance. Following the ceremony, fans in attendance began chanting “Johnny Hockey,” a nod to the left wing’s beloved nickname.
When it was time to start the game, the Blue Jackets chose to leave Gaudreau’s position vacant, while players from both teams stood in solidarity for the heartfelt moment. The puck was gently placed in Johnny’s empty spot, and 13 seconds were allowed to tick off the clock before an official retrieved it to resume play. Earlier that evening, Meredith Gaudreau shared a pre-recorded video message with the crowd gathered at the arena. In her video message, Meredith Gaudreau addressed the fans, saying, “Hey, fifth line. I want to express my gratitude for your support during this difficult time. Your outpouring of love has been a tremendous help to our family.” She continued, “As the team prepares for warm-ups, I don’t want anyone to feel sad. Instead, I hope you find inspiration in the life John lived, which centered around loving family above all else. When it’s time to drop the puck, let’s celebrate the game that John cherished. Thank you, and go Jackets!”
New Beginnings and Lasting Impact
Both wives of the Gaudreau brothers are expecting. During her eulogy at her husband’s funeral in early September, Meredith shared that she was nine weeks pregnant with their third child. “In less than three years of marriage, we’ve built a family of five. It seems incredible, but I see it as the ultimate blessing,” she expressed on September 10. “How fortunate I am to be the mother of John’s three children.” Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is set to welcome their first child, a son, next month. Earlier this week, she posted photos and a video on social media from a baby shower held for their baby, Tripp.
Madeline Gaudreau shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, urging others to “Hug your loved ones, cherish your time on earth, be grateful, help others, stay positive, be humble, do what is right, and be kind. It truly makes a difference in your own life and the lives of others! BE A GOOD HUMAN like Matty and Johnny.” Johnny, who should have been playing in his 11th NHL season and third with the Blue Jackets, was honored in various ways that night. His No. 13 was prominently displayed throughout the arena, and the team handed out patches featuring his famous jersey number to all attendees. In a touching tribute, the Blue Jackets announced that the puck drop would take place at 7:13 p.m. ET—13 minutes later than the usual starting time—as a nod to the late NHL All-Star.
