Ohio State opened its 2024 season with a 52-6 win against Akron on Saturday afternoon, but the last thing anyone cared about in Columbus was a football game.
On Thursday evening, Columbus Blue Jackets star player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were riding their bikes in New Jersey and were tragically killed by a drunk driver.
Johnny and Matthew were supposed to be at their sister’s wedding on Friday afternoon, making the tragedy a million times worse.
Johnny and Matthew were great hockey players, but they were even better people, and the world and the hockey community will miss them like crazy.
Matthew Gaudreau was 29 years old and played his college hockey at Boston College before playing professionally for five seasons, and Johnny was heading into his 11th season in the NHL after spending his first nine with the Calgary Flames and his last two in Columbus.
The people of Columbus are a close community, and right before Ohio State kicked off against Akron on Saturday, the Buckeyes honored Johnny and Matthew in a great way.
Ohio State Honors The Gaudreau’s With A Moment Of Silence
Ohio State honored the Gaudreaus with a moment of silence, a classy move by the team and every player and fan.
The Buckeyes hold a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. pic.twitter.com/pDsOOK7lCZ
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) August 31, 2024
Ohio State football holds a moment of silence for Johnny Gaudreau prior to their season opener 🙏🏈
(via @Dan_Hope)pic.twitter.com/nfODaD0KO9
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) August 31, 2024
A pregame moment of silence for Johnny Gaudreau at Ohio Stadium. pic.twitter.com/zmJRxq0ruX
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 31, 2024
Many Blue Jacket fans paid their tributes to Gaudreau on Friday by placing flowers, teddy bears, and hockey sticks on the steps of Nationwide Arena, the team’s home.
The flowers are starting to pour in at Nationwide Arena with a banner that says “In loving memory of Johnny Gaudreau”.
All of that below the banner of Johnny. As every fan passes by, no one talks about the goals, each shares the amazing person Johnny was. pic.twitter.com/lfXoIU7EZR
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) August 30, 2024
It’s been a super sad few days in Columbus, and prayers go out to the Gaudreaus through this difficult time.
