The widow of the late Johnny Gaudreau expressed her overwhelming gratitude for the way the Blue Jackets and the NHL honored him during the Stadium Series game between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets over the weekend.
Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew, was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver in August while riding their bikes in New Jersey the day before their sister’s wedding.
locker room before their game against the Red Wings on March 1. NHLI via Getty Images
Since the tragic deaths, tributes have poured in for the beloved hockey star, including during the Stadium Series game being held at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, which led to Meredith Gaudreau releasing a heartfelt thank you to the hockey community.
“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,” Meredith Gaudreau said in a statement released by the Blue Jackets on Sunday. “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.”
Gaudreau’s family led the Blue Jackets into the stadium on Saturday ahead of the NHL showdown and Columbus players had dressed in a “signature Johnny fit,” which consisted of black Ugg boots, black sweatpants, black AMIRI hats and Avalon Surf Shop sweatshirts.
Gaudreau played his previous two NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets and spent the nine prior to that with the Flames.
Meredith Gaudreau and family also led the Blue Jackets out of the tunnel toward the ice ahead of the game, Elvis Merzlikins added an image of Gaudreau on his goalie helmet and Gaudreau’s jersey was on display inside the Blue Jackets’ locker room.
The Blue Jackets won the game, 5-3.
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