The Columbus Blue Jackets paid a special tribute to late left winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Beaudreau, who tragically died in a car accident while riding bicycles in New Jersey. The tribute took place at the team’s season opening game against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 15, less than two months after the siblings’ passing. Johnny’s pregnant wife, Meredith Gaudreau, was in attendance with their daughter Noa, and son Johnny, as well as other family members including his parents Guy and Jane Gaudreau, and sisters Kristen and Katie Gaudreau. Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting their first child, was also present.
During the tribute ceremony, a banner bearing Johnny’s name and jersey number, 13, was raised at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena. His daughter was seen pointing up at the rafters, showing her awareness and understanding of the significance of the moment. The emotional event brought together the Gaudreau and Beaudreau families, as well as the hockey community, to honor the memory of the two brothers who were known for their talent and passion for the game. The presence of Johnny’s wife and children added a poignant touch to the tribute, emphasizing the impact of the loss on their young family.
The special tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Beaudreau at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ season opening game served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. The tragic circumstances of the brothers’ passing brought the hockey community together in grief and solidarity, as fans, players, and officials paid their respects to the talented athletes. The presence of Johnny’s pregnant wife, Meredith, and their young children added an emotional depth to the ceremony, highlighting the ongoing impact of the loss on their family. The raising of the banner with Johnny’s name and jersey number symbolized his enduring legacy in the hearts of his teammates, fans, and loved ones.
Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, was visibly emotional during the tribute ceremony, standing alongside her children and other family members as they remembered the late hockey star and his brother. The support from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, including players like Sean Monahan and Eddie Morris, showed the strength of the hockey community in times of tragedy. The presence of Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting their first child, added a bittersweet element to the tribute, as the family mourned the loss of two beloved brothers while preparing to welcome a new life into the world.
The tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Beaudreau at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ season opening game was a heartfelt expression of love and remembrance for the two brothers who were taken too soon. The presence of their families, including Johnny’s pregnant wife and young children, served as a reminder of the enduring impact of their loss on those left behind. The raising of the banner with Johnny’s name and jersey number was a powerful symbol of his legacy in the hockey world and a tribute to his talent and dedication to the game. The emotional ceremony brought together the hockey community in a shared moment of grief and reflection, honoring the memory of two beloved athletes and celebrating their lives.
