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Young Blue Jacket fan pays heartwarming tribute to Johnny Gaudreau memorial
A young Columbus Blue Jackets fan has touched many with a simple tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. On Friday, the boy, wearing a Blue Jackets jersey, placed a hockey stick at a memorial outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The stick had Gaudreau’s jersey number, 13, written on it.
Fans have gathered at the memorial, leaving flowers and other items to honor Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The brothers tragically died on Thursday. The boy’s tribute shows Johnny Gaudreau's impact on his fans and the Columbus community.
Johnny Gaudreau played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew in ECHL. They died in a tragic biking accident in New Jersey. They were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles. The Gaudreau family, through Johnny and Matthew's uncle Jim, expressed deep sadness at their loss.
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing humans,” The statement from Jim Gaudreau reads.
They also asked for privacy during this difficult time.
The entire NHL community is grieving for Johnny Gaudreau & Matthew
The Columbus Blue Jackets shared their grief, noting Johnny’s impact as a player and person. They remembered him for his strong connection with the Columbus community, where he played the last two seasons.
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew," The Blue Jackets' statement reads (via NHL.com).
The NHL Players' Association and Commissioner Gary Bettman joined in mourning their loss. They recognized their contributions to the sport and their deep impact on the hockey community.
"The NHLPA joins the hockey community in mourning the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew," NHLPA's Marty Walsh said in his statement. "Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and he was a joy to watch"
Johnny Gaudreau had a successful NHL career, starting with the Calgary Flames, where he played for nine seasons before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022. He was known for his skills and earned the nickname "Johnny Hockey." Matthew Gaudreau, 29, was also a talented hockey player. He played at Boston College and in the AHL and the ECHL before becoming a high school hockey coach.
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