On Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets played their first home game of the year, taking on the Florida Panthers. Throughout the game, both teams took the time to pay tribute to Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed before the start of the season.
Tonight we honor the lasting impact that Johnny Gaudreau has made on the game of hockey, the city of Columbus, his family, friends and teammates, and all those who will continue to be inspired by his play ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RcudI1DpzJ
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver while biking in New Jersey at the end of August. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of sympathy from throughout the hockey world, with fans leaving flowers and objects outside of Columbus’ stadium to honor the late forward.
The Blue Jackets built a similar tribute in the stadium for Tuesday’s game, which included items left in the fan memorial.
A tribute to Johnny Gaudreau will be on display tonight and throughout the season for fans attending #CBJ games.
The tribute includes a replica locker, Johnny’s game worn jerseys and equipment, and items from the fan memorial. pic.twitter.com/cEQKxSOGqC
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
The Blue Jackets and Panthers made additional tributes to Gaudreau throughout the matchup. Both teams wore Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey during warmups, and Columbus also painted the No. 13 onto the ice behind the goals.
The Blue Jackets also raised a banner honoring Gaudreau pregame, with his wife Meredith and his children there to watch it go up.
Prior to the game, the Panthers arrived at the stadium with purple Gatorade and Skittles — two of Gaudreau’s favorites. Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk, a longtime teammate and friend of Gaudreau, suggested the idea, per Panthers rinkside reporter Katie Engleson.
Tkachuk, who has been dealing with an illness, did not travel to Columbus, but posted a heartfelt message via the Panthers’ social media. The two played together for six seasons on the Calgary Flames.
The Blue Jackets and Panthers let 13 seconds pass after the puck drop, another tribute to Gaudreau’s jersey number. Columbus also started the game with four players on the ice, leaving the left winger spot — Gaudreau’s position — open in his honor.
After a slow first period, the Blue Jackets struck first in the second period with a goal from young center Cole Sillinger. After Florida equalized, Columbus center Sean Monahan scored the team’s second goal of the game, and pointed to Gaudreau’s banner after the point.
The Blue Jackets then fell to 3-2 after the end of the second period, before conceding another to the Panthers. Although Columbus was able to score late in the third period, it wasn’t enough, and the team fell to Florida, 4-3.