The Stadium Series game held on Saturday between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings was a landmark event set against the backdrop of Ohio Stadium. With over 90,000 attendees, it was poised to be the second largest crowd in NHL history, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere.
Central to the event was a heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately referred to as “Johnny Hockey,” and his brother, Matthew. Tragically, the Gaudreau brothers lost their lives in a cycling accident near their New Jersey home on August 29, just a day before their sister’s wedding.
As part of the gesture of remembrance, the Blue Jackets made their first outdoor game a touching homage to the Gaudreaus. Team captain Boone Jenner and his squad entered the famed stadium in “Signature Johnny fit,” donning matching Avalon Surf Shop sweatshirts—a nod to Gaudreau’s tradition of showcasing local New Jersey businesses. Meanwhile, the Red Wings sported No. 13 Gaudreau jerseys that commemorated his time with various teams, including Team USA and the Boston College Eagles.
Jane Gaudreau, Johnny’s mother, led the team into the venue, accompanied by Johnny’s widow, Meredith, and their children, Noa and Johnny, all in Gaudreau Stadium Series bomber jackets. This moment underscored the solidarity and familial bonds within the team.
Steve Mayer, president of content and events for the NHL, highlighted the importance of the memorial, expressing, “We wanted to have that moment and get people talking about them again, and never forgetting.”
Throughout the game, Gaudreau’s influence was palpable. His jersey was prominently placed in the Blue Jackets’ locker room, and starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins wore a helmet adorned with Gaudreau’s image. Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason remarked on Johnny’s enduring legacy, stating that Johnny continues to teach and inspire the team.
Efforts to honor the Gaudreau brothers were deeply woven into the Stadium Series’ fabric. The decision to celebrate his life, as opposed to observing a moment of silence, reflected the NHL’s thoughtful deliberations to ensure their tribute effectively honored Johnny’s indelible mark.
The Blue Jackets’ current season’s success and their involvement in the Stadium Series have been considered a tribute to Gaudreau’s dreams. Sean Kuraly, a center for the team, voiced how the brothers’ legacies have melded into the team’s ethic—emphasizing teamwork, love for the game, and cherishing each moment.
For Columbus fans, this broadcasted game was a significant first, as the Blue Jackets were among the last NHL teams to participate in an outdoor game. Before the match, Jenner affirmed the team’s dedication to honoring Johnny, a sentiment that has propelled them throughout the year.
In a public statement, Meredith Gaudreau thanked the teams and the NHL for their thoughtful tributes to her late husband, expressing deep gratitude for making her family feel cherished and supported during the event.
