During the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres game on Thursday, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith Gaudreau spent quality time with partners of Blue Jackets players at the Nationwide Arena. She was accompanied by Erik Gudbranson's wife Sarah and Boone Jenner's partner Maggie.
Sarah Gudbranson shared a couple of clicks from their evening on her Instagram stories. In one of the clicks, the ladies can be seen dining together in what appears to be a small picnic.
She also posted a selfie with Meredith Gaudreau and Maggie Jenner while watching the game from the stands.
Earlier last week, Sarah Gudbranson shared photos of their children, Bennett and Zoey, wearing custom sweaters with Johnny Gaudreau's No. 13. The thoughtful jerseys were a gift from Erik's sister, Lauryn.
Sarah captioned the post:
“Always for #13 🤍”
Meredith Gaudreau was moved by the tribute and reposted it on her Instagram story. She added in the caption:
“Love these little guys.”
Johnny Gaudrea’s wife pens heartfelt message for Erik Gudbranson and family
The friendship between the Gudbransons and the Gaudreaus is filled with mutual love and respect. On Wednesday, Meredith Gaudreau penned an emotional message on Instagram for the love and support Erik Gudbranson and his family have shown them.
“I’ll never forget when Erik spent the day with John before we went to the hospital to have our first baby. He looked up to you as a father and relied on you as a best friend here every single day. And you were always there. Loves you so much,” Meredith wrote on her Instagram story.
“No doubt we will continue to raise our families together @sarahsweetnam,” she added.
She also reposted a clip of an adorable moment that Erik shared with Johnny Gaudreau’s daughter Noa during their home opener at Nationwide Arena.
"We love you, Uncle Erik," Meredith wrote in the caption.
To honor Johnny Gaudreau’s memory, the Blue Jackets left his left-wing position open in the starting lineup and held a 13-second moment of silence before their home opener against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
A video tribute showing Johnny's life and career was displayed before the game. Meredith with their two children, walked onto the ice as fans chanted "Johnny Hockey" when a special banner reading "JOHNNY GAUDREAU 1993-2024" was raised in honor of the late player. During warmups, all players wore his No. 13 jerseys, and his number was painted behind the nets on the ice.