Tonight, the Blue Jackets play their first home game of the season. It’s a great opportunity for the team to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who passed away during the off-season.
Tonight we honor the lasting impact that Johnny Gaudreau has made on the game of hockey, the city of Columbus, his family, friends and teammates, and all those who will continue to be inspired by his play
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– Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
During the warm-up period, players from both teams wore uniforms bearing the name “Gaudreau” and #13, in tribute to Johnny Hockey. It made for some great images.
That said, the pre-game ceremonies were particularly touching. The club raised a banner high in the arena… and there was emotion in the air.
A Johnny Gaudreau banner heads to the rafters
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: @BR_OpenIce) pic.twitter.com/bcew5ArhE7
– BarDown (@BarDown) October 15, 2024
Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett, who played with Gaudreau in Calgary, traded the disc, and the two clubs didn’t play for the first 13 seconds.
The Blue Jackets and Panthers let 13 seconds comes off the clock on the opening draw. pic.twitter.com/3CDVrR9OSe
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 15, 2024
Then the real game began, but once again, hockey seems to be secondary in Columbus tonight. What’s important is honoring the memory of two people who had a major impact on the community and who left us far too quickly.
Hats off to the organization for such a successful ceremony, and hats off to both teams for tonight’s tribute to Johnny Hockey. At a time when the hockey community in Columbus is still in mourning, it was the right thing to do.
Extension
More than a game tonight. pic.twitter.com/EbErhqD1fM
– Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 15, 2024
Johnny’s daughter noticed the banner raised high above the arena, bearing her father’s name.
Johnny’s daughter pointing up at his banner
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– Habs enjoyer (@car3ypr1ce) October 15, 2024
And it’s not just in Columbus where opening night has turned into an important moment for the community. The Lightning are also playing their first home game of the season, and the devastating effects of recent natural disasters have taken their toll on the community.
Seeing Victor Hedman, the team’s new captain, take to the ice with a #TampaBayStrong flag was a beautiful moment for fans, who have been through some tough times recently. Let’s hope tonight’s game will take their minds off it, at least for a few hours.
#Bolts captain Victor Hedman enters to a loud roar as he waves a #TampaBayStrong flag. pic.twitter.com/F53wufUv0y
– Benjamin Pierce (@BenjaminJReport) October 15, 2024
