In Photos: Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith, kids Noa & Johnny walk the KIDS' Blue Carpet before Columbus-Minnesota game

Meredith Gaudreau, wife of late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, made a special appearance with their two children at the KIDS' Blue Carpet event before the Columbus Blue Jackets faced off against the Minnesota Wild. The KIDS Opening is a new event for the youngest members of the Blue Jackets’ fan base.

The official Instagram account of the Blue Jackets posted a series of pictures on their stories, including one snap of Meredith arriving at their home arena with her children, Noa and Johnny. Meredith later reshared the story on her own Instagram.

As part of the event, children lined up to greet the players and special guests, including youth from local organizations and Ohio sports mascots. Blue Jackets stars signed autographs and posed for pivyures with their young fans.

The event, which began at 3:30 p.m. on the Front Street Plaza, also featured a free party for families. The first 5,000 kids received CBJ Kids Tech Tattoos, and the party included fun activities like face painting, balloon art, and other entertainment.

Earlier last week, the Blue Jackets paid a special tribute for Johnny Gaudreau during their home opener against the Florida Panthers. Players wore his No. 13 jerseys during the warmup, and his number was painted behind the nets. Prior to the game, they observed a 13 second silence and even left the left-wing empty in honor of their late player.

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith and their children walked onto the ice as fans chanted "Johnny Hockey," while a banner with "JOHNNY GAUDREAU 1993-2024" was raised to the rafters before the game.

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Boston College to honor Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy

Boston College will honor their late alumni Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with Tony Voce this season. Johnny and Matthew tragically died in a car accident in New Jersey just before their sister’s wedding on August 29.

Johnny Gaudreau was the 2014 Hobey Baker Award winner and played for BC’s 2012 NCAA team before a successful NHL career. His brother Matthew had led the BC Eagles in points as a senior.

To remember them, the Eagles will wear patches with their initials and the names will be displayed on the boards near the team bench. A moment of silence and a video tribute are also planned for the home opener.

Before the Hockey East opener against Maine, the team will wear jerseys honoring the Gaudreaus and Voce during warmups. The school’s trophy case has also been updated to celebrate the legacy of their late alumni. Earlier last month, the college added their initials to the boards at Conte Forum.