Before the first NHL regular season game since the tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau , a moment of silence was held for the former All-Star.
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a car and killed while riding bicycles near their family home in Salem County, New Jersey, on August 29.
Before the 2024 Fastenal Global Series game at 02 Arena in Czechia, the public address announcers invited players, staff and fans in the building to honor the seven-time NHL All-Star with a moment of silence that lasted 13 seconds, a nod to Gaudreau's familiar jersey number with both the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames.
Players removed their helmets, which all featured a No. 13 decal on the back to honor Gaudreau and his brother.
The arena scoreboard showed photos of Gaudreau throughout his NHL career as well as pictures from his time at Boston College and his home life.
After the moment, fans in the arena applauded and players tapped their sticks on the ice.
"I thought the moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau was an emotional moment," Devils forward Erik Haula said. "I mean, every time you see it, it's weird. It's just still weird to see it. I'm sure that's not the last time their pictures are going to be up on a jumbotron. It's just so sad. You're really still just in disbelief."
