Blue Jackets Honor Star Player at Home Opener

Those of you who follow our posts regularly know I am a huge hockey fan.

You would also know that I was truly stunned at the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau.

Gaudreau and his brother were riding bikes just prior to their sister's wedding when a drunk driver hit them both, killing them on a weekend that was supposed to be a celebration.

Celebrate His Life

Johnny Gaudreau was a true star of the league and even though he played for Calgary most of his career, I always enjoyed watching him play (in case you don’t know, the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames hate each other).

Gaudreau played in 763 NHL games in his career, accumulating 743 points, nearly a point a game, which is phenomenal.

It was no shock that the Blue Jackets, his team at the time of his death, honored Gaudreau during their home opener.

During the game warmups, the players on both sides of the ice wore the number 13 as a tribute, and his jersey number was hung from the rafters.

When the opening faceoff took place, the Blue Jackets only put four players on the ice, leaving the fifth spot open for their former left winger. They then allowed 13 seconds to run off while players and fans saluted him…

Saved a spot for Johnny.

Here with us always💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/B4ouWgS0Qo

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024

As brutal as this sport can be, that is just an unbelievable moment that shows just how much respect these players have for each other once the clock stops.

The team also invited Gaudreau’s father to workout with the team in the morning, joining them for their morning skate.

Jackets head coach Dean Evason stated, "It looked like he was just having a blast.

"Just having fun skating. I said to him ‘any time you want to come out, you’re more than welcome.'"

Rest in peace, Johnny. You will be missed.