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The Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers will honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at the 2024-25 NHL season opener in North America. On October 15, during the Blue Jackets' home opener, both teams will wear No. 13 Gaudreau jerseys in warmups. This tribute celebrates the brothers’ achievements and contributions to the sport.
Johnny, a star player for Columbus, was known for his strong offensive skills. His younger brother, Matthew, played in the AHL, ECHL and Sweden. The No. 13 jersey is significant, as Johnny has worn it throughout much of his career. This tribute shows respect for both brothers’ impact on hockey.
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in a bike accident on August 29, 2024. The brothers, aged 31 and 29, were in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown. The accident happened just after 8 p.m. on Country Route 551 North. A driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He tried to pass another car and hit the brothers. Both were killed in the crash.
Fans are excited about the tribute and the game itself. The Blue Jackets, with coach Dean Evason, hope to improve from last year. Meanwhile, the Panthers, coached by Paul Maurice, come into the season with confidence after their strong 52-24-6 record and Stanley Cup Championship win.
The game is scheduled for October 15 at 7:00 PM EDT at Nationwide Arena. It will be broadcast on the NHL Network, SCRIPPS and TVAS, allowing fans across the country to watch. The tribute to the Gaudreau brothers will make the game a memorable moment in this season.
Tribute to the Gaudreau brothers during NHL Global Series in Prague
Earlier in the month on October 4, the Gaudreau brothers were also honored during the NHL Global Series in Prague. Before the game between the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, a video tribute celebrated their careers. A 13-second moment of silence followed, which was widely shared by fans online.
"I thought the moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew was an emotional moment," Devils' Erik Haula said per NHL.com, "I mean, every time you see it, it's weird. It's just still weird to see it. I'm sure that's not the last time their pictures are going to be up on a jumbotron. It's just so sad. You're really still just in disbelief."
Previously, many great great hockey personalities have mourned Johnny and Matthew's deaths. Wayne Gretzky called the incident a "Senseless tragedy."
