On Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets performed their first residence recreation of the 12 months, taking over the Florida Panthers. All through the sport, each groups took the time to pay tribute to Blue Jackets ahead Johnny Gaudreau, who was tragically killed earlier than the beginning of the season.
Tonight we honor the lasting impression that Johnny Gaudreau has made on the sport of hockey, town of Columbus, his household, pals and teammates, and all those that will proceed to be impressed by his play ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RcudI1DpzJ
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew had been killed by an alleged drunk driver while biking in New Jersey on the finish of August. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of sympathy from all through the hockey world, with followers leaving flowers and objects exterior of Columbus’ stadium to honor the late ahead.
The Blue Jackets constructed an analogous tribute within the stadium for Tuesday’s recreation, which included objects left within the fan memorial.
A tribute to Johnny Gaudreau will likely be on show tonight and all through the season for followers attending #CBJ video games.
The tribute features a duplicate locker, Johnny’s recreation worn jerseys and gear, and objects from the fan memorial. pic.twitter.com/cEQKxSOGqC
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
The Blue Jackets and Panthers made extra tributes to Gaudreau all through the matchup. Each groups wore Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey throughout warmups, and Columbus additionally painted the No. 13 onto the court docket behind the targets.
The Blue Jackets additionally raised a banner honoring Gaudreau pregame, together with his spouse Meredith and his kids there to observe it go up.
Previous to the sport, the Panthers arrived on the stadium with purple Gatorade and Skittles — two of Gaudreau’s favorites. Florida ahead Matthew Tkachuk, a longtime teammate and buddy of Gaudreau, steered the concept, per Panthers rinkside reporter Katie Engleson.
Tkachuk, who has been coping with an sickness, didn’t journey to Columbus, however posted a heartfelt message through the Panthers’ social media. The 2 performed collectively for six seasons on the Calgary Flames.
The Blue Jackets and Panthers let 13 seconds move after the puck drop, one other tribute to Gaudreau’s jersey quantity. Columbus additionally began the sport with 4 gamers on the ice, leaving the left winger spot — Gaudreau’s place — open in his honor.