The Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in their home opener. Before the puck was dropped at Nationwide Arena, a banner was raised in honor of Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed this summer while biking in New Jersey.
Following the pregame ceremony, the Blue Jackets held one more tribute to their fallen teammate. Columbus took the opening face-off without a left winger on the ice. After the puck was dropped, the game clock ran for 13 seconds as the Blue Jackets and Panthers players stood still at center ice. Stick taps from both benches and “Johnny Hockey” chants from the crowd rang out for several moments before the puck was dropped again at 19:47 to begin the game. Even the referees on the ice applauded the touching tribute.
In warm-ups, the visiting Panthers sported Gaudreau’s No. 13 Florida jerseys in the fallen hockey player’s honor. Gaudreau’s former Calgary Flames teammate Matthew Tkachuk posted a heartfelt message on social media since he could not attend the game in Columbus.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be there tonight in Columbus,” the Panthers social team shared on X. “Johnny was a huge part of the hockey community but to me he was much more than that. A great friend, teammate, and family man. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Johnny and Matthew.
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“The biggest thing I’m going to miss about tonight is not being able to see Meredith, Noa, little Johnny, Guy and Jane. Would love to give them all big hugs! Johnny will be my teammate forever.“
Even though the Blue Jackets and Panthers are battling for two points, Florida head coach Paul Maurice understands the game actually comes second on this particular night.
“The game’s going to start when the puck drops, and hockey will take over,” Maurice wrote on X. “I think the first part is clearly the most important part of the event tonight.”
Featured image via Russell LaBounty/USA TODAY Sports Images
