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    • “Johnny Gaudreau Honored at Blue Jackets Home Opener”
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    “Johnny Gaudreau Honored at Blue Jackets Home Opener”

    Kathleen William Posted on

    Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were honored at the Columbus Blue Jackets' opening home game.

    Before the NHL team's game 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 a suspected drunk driver in August.

    Johnny Gaudreau's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, was in attendance, along with their 2-year-old daughter, Noa, and 7-month-old son, Johnny, wearing No. 13 jerseys. The three appeared on the ice as a banner with the deceased athlete's number was raised. Meredith Gaudreau wiped away tears as little Noa appeared and waved at the banner.

    Meredith Gaudreau steps onto the ice during a memorial service for her husband, Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, before the home game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
    Meredith Gaudreau steps onto the ice during a memorial service for her husband, Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, before the home game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Jason Mowry/Getty Images

    A tribute video about 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 prerecorded video, Meredith Gaudreau, who is pregnant with her third child, said she “didn'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 it's time to drop the puck, let's love the game that John loved,” she said.

    A slideshow full of 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 playing. As the teams took the ice, fans cheered: “Johnny Hockey.”

    Johnny Gaudreau's family, including his parents, were also in attendance Matthew Gaudreau's widow, Madeline Gaudreau, is expecting her and her late husband's first child.

    Meredith Gaudreau steps onto the ice during a memorial service for her husband, Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, before the home game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
    Meredith Gaudreau steps onto the ice during a memorial service for her husband, Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, before the home game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images

    A PSA was also shared in a pregame video that said, “If you're drinking tonight, don't drink and drive.”

    To continue the honors, Blue Jackets players wore a “13” patch on their jerseys, which they will wear throughout the season. Everyone who attended the game also received the “13” patch.

    Patch number 13 honoring Johnny Gaudreau distributed to fans before the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
    Patch number 13 honoring Johnny Gaudreau distributed to fans before the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Jason Mowry/Getty Images

    When the game began, the team “saved a spot for Johnny” by leaving out a left winger and giving him 13 seconds.

    Number 13 in honor of Johnny Gaudreau, displayed on the ice before the game during the game on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
    Number 13 in honor of Johnny Gaudreau, displayed on the ice before the game during the game on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Jason Mowry/Getty Images

    There will also be a special tribute to the brothers at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, which includes jerseys and memorabilia. There were several ways to raise money for the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation on the night, including a jersey auction, a raffle and pin sales.

    According to police, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bicycles when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver, resulting in their deaths. The brothers were in their hometown and wanted to attend their sister's wedding.

    Madeline Gaudreau recently hosted her baby shower and used the decorations to pay tribute to her late husband. A poster shared on her Instagram read, “Welcome to our baby shower, Matty and Madeline.”

    Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting a baby boy, wrote in her post: “My husband would have loved all the balloons.”

    “The way you were able to bind my husband to you immediately brought tears to my eyes when I entered,” she wrote. “All my friends and family, nothing will bring his dad or Uncle John back, but I'm glad he has so many great people around him to remind him how great they were.”

    Last month, the Blue Jackets and their families also celebrated the second birthday of Johnny and Meredith's daughter Noa by putting up a giant lawn sign that read, “Happy 2nd Birthday, Noa!”

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    Kathleen William
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