On Tuesday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau during an emotional home opener, honoring the life of the beloved player who tragically passed away in late August. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were both killed in a devastating accident when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey, just a day before their sister’s wedding.
The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was attempting to pass another vehicle when he hit the Gaudreau brothers. He has since been charged with two counts of death by auto.
Before the Blue Jackets hit the ice for their game, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, shared a heartfelt pre-recorded message with the crowd, thanking them for their overwhelming support during this incredibly difficult time.
“I want to thank you all for your support through this time,” Meredith said in the emotional video. “Your outpouring of love has helped our family tremendously. As our team gets ready to take a warmup before the game, I don’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.”
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Meredith and Johnny shared two children together, Noa and Johnny, and she is currently expecting their third child. It’s impossible to fully comprehend the depth of pain she’s endured over the past two months, but her message was one of strength and gratitude, honoring her late husband’s memory with grace.
As the game began, the Blue Jackets honored Johnny Gaudreau in a touching and symbolic way. For the first 13 seconds of the game, representing Gaudreau’s jersey number, the team took to the ice without a left winger, leaving a space in his honor.
The tribute was a poignant moment, difficult for anyone to witness without shedding a tear, as the absence on the ice mirrored the void left by Johnny’s passing.
Gaudreau, a seven-time NHL All-Star, was a cherished member of the Blue Jackets and a favorite among fans, earning the nickname “Johnny Hockey” for his dynamic style of play. Beyond his incredible skill on the ice, Johnny was known for his warm and caring nature as a father, husband, and teammate, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the fortune of knowing him.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also reflected on Gaudreau’s legacy, stating, “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
As the Blue Jackets move forward this season, they will no doubt carry Johnny’s legacy with them, playing in honor of the man who meant so much to their team and community. The pain of his loss will be felt for a long time, but his memory and the love he brought to the game will continue to inspire both his teammates and fans alike.
Our thoughts remain with the Gaudreau family during this difficult time, as they navigate the unthinkable loss of Johnny and Matthew.
