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Meredith Gaudreau issues 'thank you' for tributes in NHL Stadium Series outdoor game
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- Meredith Gaudreau issues 'thank you' for tributes in NHL Stadium Series outdoor game
Saturday was a day that won't be forgotten in Columbus , where the city celebrated a Blue Jackets outdoor game with the fanfare of an Ohio State football game at Ohio Stadium.
It was also a day for the Blue Jackets , Detroit Red Wings and NHL to paid homage to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed Aug. 29 when they were struck by a drunk driver while riding bikes near their family home in New Jersey .
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The way the brothers' lives were honored throughout the day was powerful, leading to Johnny's wife, Meredith, to issue a statement of thanks Sunday afternoon.
The family of Johnny Gaudreau, Jane, left, Meredith, right, and his children walk to Ohio Stadium before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the NHL, Detroit Red Wings and especially the Columbus Blue Jackets for honoring John in so many ways during the Stadium Series this weekend," the statement reads. "The management, players, wives and fans from both organizations made my family feel so loved and supported. Thank you most of all for including our children by making them a big part of all the events throughout the weekend. I know John truly appreciates it as much as I do."
The Gaudreau family was incorporated into many aspects of the day and game, including Meredith and Jane Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew's mom, leading the Blue Jackets into Ohio Stadium and later onto the field from the home tunnel — each carrying one of Johnny and Meredith's young children.
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A blue "Gaudreau 13" banner was also unfurled among fans on the East side of the stadium during a stoppage, coaches from each team wore No. 13 pins on their coats and players from both teams honored the Gaudreaus with their arrival outfits.
The Columbus Blue Jackets arrive at the pep rally prior to the NHL Stadium Series game against the Detroit Red Wings on March 1, 2025.
The Red Wings wore various jerseys from the brothers' non-NHL hockey careers, while the Blue Jackets styled themselves in "signature Johnny" outfits that included black designer ball caps, slate blue hoodies from Avalon Surf Shop in New Jersey, black sweatpants and black UGGs.
"It just reminds us of him," Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner said. "That's why we did it. There's so many days when we've seen him come to the rink like that, and we have some pictures where he's pretty much wearing the same thing. It just puts some good memories in our minds, I guess. ... he was with us here tonight and he's been with us all season."
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meredith Gaudreau gives thanks for tributes in NHL Stadium Series game
