Before Tuesday night’s home opener against the Florida Panthers, the Columbus Blue Jackets held a ceremony to honor and remember two brothers whose recent deaths impacted so many. It’s clear that raw emotions still prevail following the tragic deaths of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew on August 29, when a suspected drunk driver struck and killed the brothers while they were cycling the night before her sister Kate’s wedding. Both the Blue Jackets and Panthers participated in pre-game warmups wearing Gaudreau’s No. 13 jerseys.

Blue Jackets Johnny Gaudreau Hoodie

With many Gaudreau friends and family members in attendance, Johnny Gaudreau’s widow Meredith, along with her brother-in-law Eddie, carried Gaudreau’s two children Noa and Johnny to the ice. Meredith wiped away tears as Gaudreau’s banner with the number 13 and the words “1993-2024” was unveiled. Gaudreau’s parents and sisters hugged each other in the bench area as the banner was raised to the rafters.