The hockey world came together to honor Johnny Gaudreau and his late brother, Matthew, who tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident on August 29 in Salem County, New Jersey. The incident involved an alleged drunk driver, who now faces two counts of death by auto. Johnny, the top scorer for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the past two seasons, was 31 years old, while Matthew, a former minor league forward, was 29.
Teammate Sam Bennett shared a heartwarming memory of Johnny during his pregame meal, recalling how the two would often be the last ones to board the Calgary team bus. Johnny would eat Raisin Bran, meticulously picking out the raisins. “It ended up putting a little smile on my face,” Bennett expressed. “I have a million stories about Johnny, but that was one that I thought of today.”
In a tribute before the game, Florida Panthers players entered the arena carrying Skittles and purple Gatorade, which were among Johnny’s favorite snacks. This gesture was suggested by forward Matthew Tkachuk, who played alongside Johnny with the Flames from 2016 to 2022, although he was unable to participate in the game due to illness. Tkachuk reflected, “Johnny was a huge part of the hockey community, but to me, he was much more than that. A great friend, teammate and family man. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Johnny and Matthew.”
At Nationwide Arena, Johnny’s image adorned the entrance alongside a newly added black box reading “JOHNNY GAUDREAU 1993-2024.” A makeshift memorial previously displayed beneath this tribute was relocated to the concourse area. The number 13 was painted on the ice behind each goal, with both teams donning Gaudreau’s No. 13 jerseys during warmups. Many fans showed their support by wearing No. 13 jerseys as well. Before the game, a blue hue illuminated the ice, showcasing both No. 13 and Matthew’s No. 21, while a video montage celebrating Johnny’s life and career played.
As the teams emerged from the locker rooms, they lined up along the goal lines to watch a video tribute alongside fans, featuring Johnny speaking about his life and legacy. “I think when it’s all said and done,” he reflected, “I just want to be remembered as a guy who just wanted to be around the rink, around his friends, around his family.”
During the ceremony, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, and their two young children, son Johnny and daughter Noa, were escorted by his brother-in-law, while family members observed from a suite. Teammate Sean Monahan expressed the significance of the tribute, stating, “It means a lot for his family, his wife, his kids, the way they honored him here. I mean, the whole League. The Florida Panthers behind the ceremony there, showing their support, yeah, it means a lot.”