Beautiful Scene in Columbus: Blue Jackets Take Faceoff Without Left Winger to Honor Johnny Gaudreau
The Columbus Blue Jackets have done something beautiful to honor Johnny Gaudreau before their game against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
The tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is still fresh in the minds of many even though it happened over a month ago and the friends, family, and teammates of Gaudreau are still struggling with it to this day. Many tributes poured out from teams, athletes, politicians, and other celebrities and both Calgary and Columbus had memorials outside of their respective arenas.
In another beautiful tribute, the Columbus Blue Jackets have set up a memorial for Gaudreau in the Nationwide Arena, with a replica locker, game-worn jersey, sticks, and other memorabilia as a loving tribute for their home opener:
That wasn't the only thing though, as both teams are going to be wearing Gaudreau's #13 during warmups in practice:
It's a stunning display of class from the Blue Jackets as they continue to honor their fallen brother. Teams around the league have honored Gaudreau in various ways this season, including all teams wearing a #13 patch on the back of their helmets, and even changing their jersey numbers to honor their hero. It goes to show just how important Gaudreau was not only to the locker room of the Blue Jackets but to everyone in the NHL and his loss will be felt for years to come.
It will be a hard night for all involved, as Gaudreau's family is expected to be in attendance for the memorial, and there is no doubt the Blue Jackets media team worked hard and tirelessly to make sure any tributes to Gaudreau are of the highest quality. Tears will be shed, hugs will be aplenty, and the atmosphere will be one of both sorrow and one of remembrance.
