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The Columbus Blue Jackets held a special tribute for Johnny Gaudreau, raising his iconic number 13 to the rafters ahead of their home opener.
His widow, Meredith Gaudreau, shared a series of emotional Instagram stories following the event, including a heartfelt note for her late husband’s teammate and friend, Sean Monahan.
“John is so freaking proud of Sean. For being there for me and our kids and being a part of this team. Showing up everyday with a smile, working hospitality but off,” she wrote.
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The Blue Jackets played the Florida Panthers on Tuesday at the Nationwide Arena. Prior to the game, Columbus honored their late player, who passed away alongside his brother Matthew in a tragic accident in August.
Meredith expressed gratitude for how much Sean has supported her since Johnny’s passing and how the bond between the two players was like that of brothers.
Monahan scored his first goal for the Blue Jackets on the special night and immediately dedicated it to Johnny. Meredith reposted it on her story and wrote in the caption,
“For his brother,” with two blue heart emojis.
She also penned an emotional message for Sean Monahan's wife, Brittany. Meredith mentioned how she had always imagined celebrating the goal together with Brittany.
“I always thought about Sean's first goal as a blue jacket and how we'd be right next to each other for it 😥 @brittonmonahan,” she wrote.
Meredith appreciates Matthew Tkachuk’s gesture to honor Johnny Gaudreau's memory
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk couldn’t play during the Blue Jackets' home opener due to an illness, but he still made sure to be part of the emotional tribute.
He arranged for Johnny’s favorite snacks, Skittles and purple Gatorade, to be carried by Florida players in his memory.
Meredith Gaudreau appreciated the gesture that Matthew arranged despite not being present on the ice.
“Love this chucky. Love you, thank you. We missed you! Will see you soon,” she wrote in her stories.
In honor of Gaudreau, the team left the left-wing spot empty in the starting lineup, observed a 13-second silence, and played a touching video montage highlighting his life and career. All players wore Gaudreau's No. 13 jerseys during warmups.
While his widow, Meredith, accompanied by their children and her brother, walked onto the ice as the crowd chanted "Johnny Hockey."
Sean Monahan stood beside the family and even held his late friend’s seven-month-old son, Johnny, as the banner with "JOHNNY GAUDREAU 1993-2024" was raised.
