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In a scene that could only be described as a heartfelt ice cream sundae topped with a drizzle of melancholy, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were honored at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ home opener. Because what better way to kick off the hockey festivities than with a poignant tribute mixed with a dash of family values and a reminder that life is a little like a hockey puck—hard, unpredictable, and sometimes, it just hurts to face-plant into the boards of fate.
The squad gathered before their matchup against the Florida Panthers—because nothing says team spirit quite like mourning dead teammates together— to remember the late Johnny and his brother, who sadly traded their skates for celestial stars, allegedly thanks to a drunk driver. Yes, folks, it’s another tragic reminder that some people should attend NBA games instead, where the only thing getting driven is the ball.
Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, along with their two children, Noa and tiny Johnny Jr., took to the ice, decked out in No. 13 jerseys, to present a banner displaying his number. The sight would have brought tears to anyone’s eyes, especially when little Noa adorably waved, likely thinking she was just another player on the ice, unaware that waving to the heavens is more complicated than scoring a goal.
Amidst a heartfelt tribute video showcasing Johnny’s early hockey shenanigans and family life, Meredith expressed her wish that no one be sad, which is a tall order considering the somber playbook being rolled out. “Let’s love the game that John loved!” she proclaimed, as if we needed a pep talk to enjoy the brutal sport of ice hockey where fights break out more frequently than good manners.
As if the 13-second moment of silence wasn’t enough to tug at the heartstrings, the pre-game show included enough sad songs to make a karaoke bar look like a comedy club challenge. They went full emotional range with a slideshow accompanied by tunes like “Memory Lane,” because nothing says “Let’s hit the ice” like tunes that remind you of your dearly departed.
In attendance was also Matthew’s widow, who is preparing to have a baby, essentially making this event not just a memorial but also a family reunion to remind everyone of life’s bizarre, often cruel sense of humor. Because nothing builds character quite like laughing through the pain while also planning for a new life in a world that just took the old ones.
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without a Public Service Announcement reminding folks that if you’re drinking, leave that car parked—because if you think you’re too cool for designated drivers, just remember: drunk driving is a penalty box that no one ever wants to sit in.
And hey, in a show of true camaraderie, the Blue Jackets wore “13” patches on their jerseys for the rest of the season. Because nothing screams tribute like the additional pressure to perform while being constantly reminded of your teammate’s absence.
The evening culminated with an array of fundraising activities to support the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, because who doesn’t want to toss some bucks into a pot while contemplating the existential chaos of life’s unpredictability? It’s basically a charity event wrapped in a hockey game and sprinkled with a side of existential dread.
After all, life is just a series of twists and turns—like two brothers riding bikes straight into a tragedy as they return for a wedding. But let’s raise a glass to them, as Madeline poignantly noted that, while balloons can’t bring back her husband, they sure can make a shower a whole lot more colorful. Here’s to life—organized chaos, where every punchline is as unpredictable as a last-minute game-winning goal.
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