"Gut-wrenching but beautiful": NHL fans react to Johnny Gaudreau's emotional family watch his No. 13 raised to the rafters at Blue Jackets home arena

The Columbus Blue Jackets honored Johnny Gaudreau by raising his number 13 jersey to the rafters at their home arena before their game against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The emotional ceremony left many fans and spectators in awe.

The Blue Jackets also paid tribute to Gaudreau with a video montage of his career highlights and impact on the team and city. Both the Blue Jackets and Panthers wore Gaudreau's number 13 jersey during warm-ups to honor him.

There was also a special opening face-off featuring four Blue Jackets without a left winger to represent Gaudreau's number and position, followed by 13 seconds of game time expiring before resuming play.

Fans reacted to the unforgettable night.

One fan described it as:

"Gut-wrenching, but beautiful. What a classy move too at the puck drop. His daughter pointing up at the banner gave me chills."

Another fan wrote:

"Watching his wife, kids and his parents here. I just can’t imagine. 1993 was the year I was born, so much life to live. So f**king sad man"

Here are some fan reactions:

"The look on his dad's face is always what gets me. That’s the look of a completely lost man. My heart breaks for him." one fan wrote on X.

"Seeing his parents and siblings hurt but watching Sean hold Johnnys son next to his wife broke me. Rest in peace legend" another fan wrote.

"Guy was my coach for just abt all of my youth years in hockey. Met Johnny a few times. Still not over this" a user commented.

"Man I can't stop crying over how horrible this is. My heart breaks for this family. They deserve all the love." another user wrote.

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith comments on the Blue Jackets home opener ceremony

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith spoke to the crowd in a touching video tribute on the scoreboard screens before the game.

Wearing Gaudreau's number 13 on her toque and button, Meredith said:

"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." (as per NHL.com)

Gaudreau's number 13 was painted on the ice behind each net and his locker stall remained untouched, with his equipment still in place. His father helped the coaches during morning skate and shared stories about his sons with the team.

Head coach Dean Evason called it:

“It’s wonderful,. It really is. It’s fantastic. Hopefully it’s good for Guy, but I know it’s good for our group. I know it’s good for our coaching staff to have him in there and talking, and I know it’s great for the players as well.”

The ceremony provided an emotional tribute to remember Johnny Gaudreau's life and legacy.