In the world of professional sports, rituals can serve as poignant reminders of love, loss, and unity. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, the introduction of what they call the “Johnny skate” at the end of practice has become a symbol of remembrance and connection to their former teammate, Johnny Gaudreau. In this unique tradition, a player takes a shot from one end of the rink toward the opposing goal. If they score, the rest of the team skates a single lap, but if they miss, they endure a grueling three laps—an emblematic nod to the number 13, Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey number.
This exercise, however, took on a different, more heartfelt meaning recently when Guy Gaudreau, Johnny’s father, attended practice. The atmosphere shifted from that of standard drills and sharp competition to a focused reverence for the absent members of the Gaudreau family. Guy’s presence is a powerful reminder of both the joys of hockey and the deep connections that exist within the sport. His participation in the practice not only highlights the legacy of his sons but also encapsulates the communal spirit that defines hockey—a sport often referred to as family.
Johnny Gaudreau, a coveted player who would have been embarking on his 11th full NHL season, tragically passed away alongside his brother, Matthew, last August. They lost their lives in a heartbreaking incident involving a suspected drunk driver while cycling in South Jersey—just a day before a monumental family event. This terrible loss sent ripples throughout the sport, sparking an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans and players alike.
As players skated around the ice on that Monday practice, memories lingered in the air—not merely the memories of Johnny but the significant bond he shared with his father. Guy Gaudreau, who has a coaching background at the Hollydell Ice Arena and Gloucester Catholic High School, embodies the spirit of dedication and the love for the sport that Johnny and Matthew inherited. Coach Dean Evason’s sentiments about Guy being a joy to have on the ice echo the universal desire within sports teams to maintain connections with their past while forging their future.
The emotional culmination of the Blue Jackets’ recent practice was set against the backdrop of their home opener against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. This game loomed not just as an athletic contest, but as a tribute—a moment for the entire National Hockey League to honor the memory of the Gaudreau brothers. The depth of emotion surrounding this time can only be understood by those who have experienced the loss of a loved one; it brings to light the strength of community in mourning.
Tributes continue to pour in from various corners of the hockey world. In Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau made his NHL debut, goaltender Dustin Wolf incorporated both Gaudreau brothers’ jersey numbers into his goalie mask as a lasting memorial. It serves as a constant reminder of the impact they had on the game, their families, and each other—woven together by shared experiences, laughter, and a passion for hockey.
Notably, the emotional tone of the practice spared time for a moment of reflection, which Guy Gaudreau almost declined but eventually embraced. Following practice, when he inquired about returning for the morning skate, it underscored his profound desire to remain close to the game that shaped his sons’ lives.
This dedication to returning and connecting with a team that embodies Johnny’s spirit illustrates the cyclical nature of love and remembrance in sports. As players like Sean Kuraly remarked, such enthusiasm from Guy reaffirms the traits that made Johnny an irreplaceable part of the Blue Jackets community.
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ homage to the Gaudreau brothers through collective rituals, shared grief, and the support of family serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply personal loss resonates within the community of sports. By holding steadfast to memories while embracing the future, the Blue Jackets continue to demonstrate that hockey is not just a game; it’s an everlasting legacy bound by love, grief, and resilience.