Honoring the Gaudreau Brothers: A League-Wide Tribute in the NHL
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, the Columbus Blue Jackets are not alone in their efforts to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. In a heartfelt gesture, all 32 NHL teams will pay tribute to the brothers with special helmet decals, a move that underscores the profound impact they had on the hockey community.
The Decal Design
The helmet decals will prominently feature the letter “G” at the center, representing the Gaudreau family name. Flanking the “G” will be Johnny’s number, 13, on the left, and Matthew’s number, 21, on the right. This symbolic design serves as a reminder of their legacy and the bond they shared, both as brothers and as athletes. The decals will be worn from the start of the regular season on October 8, 2024, through to the final home opener, which will take place on October 24 between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks.
A Tragic Loss
The Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives on August 29, 2024, when they were struck by a car while riding bicycles in suburban New Jersey. Johnny, 31, was a well-known figure in the NHL, having played nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets for his final two seasons. Matthew, 29, had a professional career that spanned five seasons across various leagues, including the AHL, ECHL, and even a stint in Sweden.
The Blue Jackets’ Tribute
In addition to the league-wide helmet decals, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced several initiatives to honor the Gaudreau brothers. The team will wear a sticker on their helmets and a patch featuring Johnny’s No. 13 on both their home and away jerseys. General Manager Don Waddell has also stated that the club will maintain Johnny’s locker stall in the dressing room, ensuring that his presence is felt among the team. Furthermore, the Blue Jackets plan to take Johnny’s No. 13 sweater on the road to keep his spirit alive in visiting arenas.
Community Support and Remembrance
The Blue Jackets, along with the Calgary Flames, held candlelight vigils to commemorate the brothers, allowing fans and players alike to come together in mourning. In a show of solidarity, NHL teams played video tributes honoring the Gaudreau brothers before their preseason games, creating a shared moment of reflection across the league.
Opening Weekend Tributes
The NHL season will kick off with a special event in Prague, where the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres will open the season on October 6, 2024. Both teams will wear the helmet decals during the game, with Sabres players even donning them during practice leading up to the event. This early tribute sets the tone for the season, emphasizing the league’s commitment to honoring the Gaudreau brothers.
A League United in Grief
As the NHL prepares for the upcoming season, the sentiment among players and coaches is one of unity and remembrance. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff expressed the collective feeling within the league, stating, “I think it’s an incredible tribute to an incredibly sad situation. We as a league, we as a team, have to try to honor these guys for what they did for the game.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as the hockey community comes together to celebrate the lives and contributions of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
A Lasting Legacy
The tribute to the Gaudreau brothers serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the bonds that unite us, both on and off the ice. As the NHL season unfolds, the memory of Johnny and Matthew will be woven into the fabric of the league, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike.