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In a home opener for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sean Monahan talked about honoring his late friend Johnny Gaudreau. He felt it was important to be with Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, and their children during the tribute. The game began with 13 seconds on the clock, representing Gaudreau’s jersey number. Monahan took the opening faceoff, with Gaudreau’s spot left empty.
"It's hard, to be honest, It was a special, special moment that I'll remember forever," Monahan said.
The tribute continued during the game. In the second period, Monahan scored his first home goal and pointed to Gaudreau's banner. They lost to the Florida Panthers, but the emotional impact of the tribute mattered more than the score.
"I felt like Johnny was watching down on us today," Monahan added. "I had a feeling I was gonna get one. Fortunately enough, I did. We lost, which sucks, but I definitely could feel John today."
Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason also shared his thoughts on the tribute. He was touched when he realized Gaudreau’s usual spot was empty.
"As soon as that happened, it hit everybody," Evason said.
Evason praised his team's effort and admired how the players handled their emotions while playing against the defending Stanley Cup champions.
"The players handled it exceptionally well. Man, it was tough, and I can't imagine knowing [Gaudreau] as well as they did," he said.
The tribute honored the memory of the Gaudreau brothers, who sadly died in a bicycle accident before their sister Katie's wedding.
Meredith Gaudreau posted a photo of Sean Monahan and baby Johnny
On Oct. 14, Meredith Gaudreau posted a sweet photo of Sean Monahan holding her baby, Johnny. In the picture, Monahan wore a hoodie with "Gaudreau" on it.
“Uncle Muncy with the special touch for baby Johnny,” Meredith wrote.
This comes after Monahan received the first "donkey" cap. The cap honors the late Johnny Gaudreau after the Blue Jackets’ 6-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche. It has a "13" patch for Johnny’s jersey number. Monahan shared his feelings about the win, saying:
"Yeah I know, I mean be honest, it's emotional. It's nice. I mean, it's nice to get our first win. You feel the love from this organization. I feel the love from my teammates and obviously I can feel the love from John."
Sean Monahan expressed the emotional significance of honoring Johnny while playing well.
