In the wake of the tragic loss of star player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, last month, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced their plans to honour the pair on Wednesday.
The Blue Jackets, who Johnny spent the past two seasons with will wear a special sticker on their helmets beginning at the club’s first pre-season game at the Buffalo Sabres on Monday and through the 2024-25 season.
The sticker is blue with gray trim and features the name GAUDREAU and two doves between the numbers 13, which Johnny wore throughout his career, and 21, which Matthew wore at Boston College.
Beginning with the club’s first regular-season game on Oct. 10 at the Minnesota Wild and throughout the season, Blue Jackets players will wear a patch featuring Johnny’s No. 13 on their jerseys.
For Columbus’ first pre-season home game on Sept. 25 against St. Louis, a moment of silence will be held in remembrance of the brothers.
In addition, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation 50/50 Raffle will be open for all four pre-season games through the second intermission of the regular-season home opener with proceeds going to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
Also, in lieu of the club’s typical Opening Night activities, the Blue Jackets will celebrate the memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
All fans in attendance for that game against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 15 will receive a “13” patch like the ones players will be wearing on their jerseys.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman also posted on X that the team would keep Gaudreau’s locker intact.
“In addition to what’s mentioned, GM Don Waddell said Johnny Gaudreau’s dressing-room stall will be kept intact and a jersey will be placed there every game.”
Sean Higgins, a financial officer at a rehab company and married father of two daughters, allegedly slammed his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the Gaudreau brothers as they were cycling in their native Salem County, N.J., the night before their sister’s wedding last month.
Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, Higgins allegedly told authorities he drank “five to six beers” before the crash and admitted to consuming alcohol while driving.
During a virtual hearing last week ahead of a potential trail, prosecutor Jonathan Flynn called Higgins a “danger” to the community, citing the “reckless” driving and “road rage” alleged in this incident.
Evidence also was introduced stating Higgins’ blood-alcohol level recorded during the on-site sobriety test was .087. The legal limit in New Jersey is .08.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
tap here to see other videos from our team.