Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Honored With Emotional NHL Team Tribute Nearly 2 Months After Deaths

The Columbus Blue Jackets team have paid a special tribute to late left winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Beaudreau.

Less than two months after the siblings died after being struck by a car while riding bicycles in New Jersey, the hockey team honored the NHL star and minor league hockey player with a tribute ceremony at their season opening game against the Florida Panthers Oct. 15.

Johnny's pregnant wife Meredith Gaudreau attended the event with their daughter Noa, and son Johnny, 7 months, and stood with her brother Eddie Morris and Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan.

They were also joined by Johnny's parents, Guy Gaudreau and Jane Gaudreau, as well as sisters Kristen Gaudreau and Katie Gaudreau and Matthew's wife Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting her and the 29-year-old's first baby, a son named Tripp.

A banner bearing Johnny's name and jersey number, 13, was raised, and his daughter was seen pointing up at the rafters at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena.

The Blue Jackets and Panthers players wore jerseys bearing the name Gaudreau and his jersey number 13 during warmups. Johnny's team then began the game without a left winger and then let 13 seconds run off the clock. After Sean later scored a goal, he pointed to the 31-year-old's honorary banner.

Spectators also wore No. 13 patches, and the crowd chanted the late athlete's nickname, "Johnny Hockey."

In addition, a tribute video showcasing the life and career of the player was screened. His wife thanked the fans for the "outpouring of love" they have shown their family in wake of the tragedy.

"I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived," Meredith said in a prerecorded clip, which was also shared on the team's Instagram page. "That means love your family, first and foremost. And when it's time to drop the puck, let's love the game that John loved. Thank you, and go Jackets."

She later shared a personal message to her husband. "I'm so proud of you," she wrote on her Instagram Stories. "Will forever celebrate all of your achievements and will spread your perfect smile everywhere I go. Biggest accomplishment being an amazing husband and the best father, and simply just a good person."

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