Blue Jackets Honor Gaudreau Brothers in Home Opener

The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to play their first home game of the NHL season, dedicating the emotional evening to the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically died in August. The team will honor Johnny, a star player known as 'Johnny Hockey', and his brother during the game against the Florida Panthers, with both teams wearing jerseys featuring Johnny’s #13 and Matthew’s #21. Proceeds from auctioning these jerseys will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. The Blue Jackets organization has prepared various tributes, including patches for fans and a memorial in the arena. Coach Dean Evason emphasized the importance of channeling emotions positively, while the entire NHL is participating in honoring the Gaudreau brothers with helmet decals. The evening, marked by both grief and celebration, aims to help the community and fans begin the healing process following this profound loss.