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Sean Monahan pays heartfelt tribute to teammate Johnny Gaudreau with permanent initials on all his sticks
Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan has found a personal way to honor his friend and former teammate Johnny Gaudreau. Monahan has added Gaudreau’s initials, “JG,” to all of his hockey sticks. He plans to keep this tribute for the rest of his career. This simple act is Monahan’s way of remembering him, who died in a tragic bike accident in August.
NHL insider Dave Maetzold took to X on Thursday and reported it.
"Sean Monahan has Johnny Gaudreau’s initials on all of his sticks. He says he will honor John that way for the rest of his career. #CBJ"
Monahan and Gaudreau shared many years as teammates with the Calgary Flames. When Monahan joined the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, fans hoped to see them play together again. Sadly, that never happened. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died after their bikes were hit by an allegedly drunk driver just before their sister’s wedding in New Jersey.
Their friendship is now represented by the “JG” initials on Monahan's sticks, a small but heartfelt way to remember Gaudreau. Monahan’s gesture has touched many fans who wrote positive things about Monahan's gesture on social media.
Sean Monahan's Columbus Blue Jackets honored Johnny Gaudreau
During the Columbus Blue Jackets home opener on Oct. 16, Sean Monahan honored his late friend and former teammate Johnny Gaudreau. Monahan spent time with Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, and their children before the game. The game started with 13 seconds on the clock, representing his jersey number. Monahan took the opening faceoff, leaving Gaudreau’s spot empty.
“It was a special moment that I’ll remember forever,” Monahan said.
Monahan scored his first home goal in the second period and pointed to Gaudreau’s banner. Even if the Blue Jackets lost to the Florida Panthers, the tribute was more important than the score for him.
“I felt like Johnny was watching down on us,” Monahan said. "I had a feeling I was gonna get one. Fortunately enough, I did. We lost, which sucks, but I definitely could feel John today."
On Oct. 14, Meredith Gaudreau shared a photo of Monahan holding her baby, Johnny, on Instagram. Monahan wore a hoodie with “Gaudreau” on it, and Meredith captioned it with:
“Uncle Muncy with the special touch for baby Johnny.” -Meredith Gaudreau on Instagram.
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