Late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his late brother Matthew Gaudreau were honored at their first home game by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny Gaudreau's team.

The Blue Jackets welcomed Johnny Gaudreau's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, their children, Noa and Johnny, and his brother-in-law, Eddie, to the ice at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday before their season opener against the Florida Panthers.

A banner with Johnny Gaudreau's jersey number 13 and his name was raised in a ceremony as the Gaudreau family watched along with the Blue Jackets and Panthers teams.

Meredith Gaudreau also shared a message in a pre-recorded video that aired during the ceremony.

“Hey, fifth line. I would like to thank you all for your support during this time. Your love has helped our family tremendously,” said Meredith Gaudreau. “As the team prepares to warm up before the game, I don’t want anyone to be sad. I want you all to be inspired by the life John lived. That means you love your family first and foremost, and when the time comes, time to drop the puck, let's love the game John loved. Thanks and go, Jackets.

After the opening puck of the game was dropped, both teams stood still for about 13 seconds in honor of Gaudreau's No. 1. 13 and the helmets and jerseys of the playing teams also bore the number.

According to police, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau died on August 29 after they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey. Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” was 31 years old and Matthew Gaudreau, who formerly played hockey for Boston College, was 29 years old. A suspect – Sean Higgins, 43 – was arrested as part of the investigation and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers. Higgins remains in jail ahead of his upcoming trial.