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Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames honor Gaudreaus with emotional pregame ceremony
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- Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames honor Gaudreaus with emotional pregame ceremony
Thirteen reigned supreme Tuesday night in Calgary .
Johnny Gaudreau, and his younger brother, Matthew, were remembered with an emotional pregame ceremony at Scotiabank Arena, where the elder of the two played the first 10-plus seasons of an NHL career that made him a star. Once again, just as they did prior to their home-opener against the Florida Panthers , the Blue Jackets turned into a team of No. 13 "Gaudreaus" for warmups.
The Flames did, too, providing a memorable look at the only two NHL uniforms Gaudreau wore. That was just the start.
Dec 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Johnny GaudreauÕs family during ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) and Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Gaudreau family — Johnny's wife, Meredith, their two young kids, Noa and Johnny Jr., parents Guy and Jane, and sisters Kristen and Katie — donned bright red Gaudreau jerseys while presiding over a ceremonial opening faceoff for the Flames' 13th home game of the season.
Taking the faceoff were two of Gaudreau's former teammates, Sean Monahan for the Blue Jackets and Mikael Backlund for the Flames.
Dec 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Johnny GaudreauÕs family during ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) and Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) prior to the game between the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
A packed arena was asked to turn their cellphone flashlights on while the stadium lights dimmed, providing a "starry" backdrop for a power moment filled with tears. They streamed down the cheeks of Guy and Jane Gaudreau, whose pain from losing their sons in the same tragedy Aug. 29 in Oldman Township, New Jersey is heart wrenching for anybody who knows the awful story.
The Gaudreau family wasn't alone.
Dec 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Johnny GaudreauÕs family during ceremonial puck drop by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) and Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
They were surrounded by memories of their sons, as tears fell down the faces of players, coaches and fans inside a packed arena filled with red No. 13s. As they left the ice to hugs, fist bumps and love from players on both teams, they were serenaded with a familiar chant they heard a lot during many visits to Calgary.
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"Johnny! Johhny! Johnny!"
@BrianHedger.bsky.social
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames memorialize Gaudreau brothers
