The hockey world was stunned by the tragic deaths of Blue Jackets All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau, and his brother, Matthew, on August 29.  The brothers left an indelible mark on our sport and positively impacted everyone that met them, which has been evident in the outpouring of love and support of people from all over the world.  The Gaudreau family will always be part of the Blue Jackets family and we continue to keep them in our thoughts.

Beginning with the club’s first preseason game at the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, September 23 through the duration of the 2024-25 season, Blue Jackets players will wear a special sticker on their helmets. The sticker is blue with gray trim and features GAUDREAU, two doves between the numbers 13, which Johnny wore throughout his career, and 21, which Matthew wore at Boston College, in white.

Then with the club’s first regular season game at the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, October 10, and continuing throughout the season, Blue Jackets players will wear a patch featuring Johnny’s number 13 on their jerseys.

HOME OPENER - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15

In lieu of the club’s typical Opening Night activities, the Blue Jackets will celebrate the memory of the Gaudreau brothers when they host the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday, October 15 at 7 p.m. ET. All fans in attendance that night will receive a “13” patch like the ones players will be wearing on their jerseys.

DONATE TO JOHN & MATTHEW GAUDREAU FOUNDATION

The John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation has been established in memory of the brothers, best friends, and former Boston College teammates. Contributions in their memory may be sent to the address below or those wishing to donate online can do so through the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.

John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation
c/o Lewis Gross
Sports Professional Management
560 Sylvan, Suite 3070, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

LAPEL PINS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

At the Home Opener on October 15 the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation will be selling lapel pins that match the helmet stickers being worn by Blue Jackets players throughout the 2024-25 season at the Foundation Kiosk at section 110 while supplies last. All proceeds will benefit the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.

50/50 RAFFLE, PRES. BY KEMBA FINANCIAL CU

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation 50/50 Raffle, presented by Kemba, will hold a rolling jackpot for Home Opener benefitting the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Raffle ticket sales for the rolling jackpot, starting at $13,021, will begin at 9AM on September 25 and conclude at the end of the second intermission on October 15. The winner will be announced during the third period on October 15. For rules or to participate in the raffle, visit bluejackets5050.com.