COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets have found a special way to honor forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother as they prepare to host the club’s first home game of the regular season.
The Blue Jackets’ home opener takes place Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena. They will then host two other home games on Oct. 17 and Oct. 19.
As they play for the first time at Nationwide Arena this season, the Blue Jackets will be paying tribute to their former teammate, Johnny, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
The brothers were riding their bicycles on a road in their home state of New Jersey when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver on the eve of their sister's wedding in August.
Each player will be wearing a patch with the number 13, Johnny’s number, on their jersey throughout the season. Everyone who attends the home opener will receive a “13” patch to match the players.
Fans will also be able to visit a special concourse tribute that includes jerseys and items placed at Nationwide Arena in remembrance of the brothers.
According to the club, fans will have the following opportunities to help raise funds for the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation throughout the evening:
- JERSEY AUCTION – Both teams will be wearing jerseys featuring 13 and GAUDREAU during pre-game warmups. The jerseys signed by Blue Jackets players will be available via an auction and raffle through the Blue Jackets Foundation. Raffle tickets are $10 and will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Oct. 10 through the end of the second intermission on Oct. 15 with winners announced the week of Oct. 21.
- CBJ FOUNDATION 50/50 RAFFLE – The raffle began during the preseason and concludes at the end of the second intermission of the game vs. Florida. Tickets can be purchased online at BlueJackets5050.com.
- CBJ FOUNDATION GAMEDAY AUCTION – The Foundation’s Gameday Auction located behind section 111 will feature unique team-signed memorabilia, as well as select items signed by Johnny Gaudreau. The auction opens at 9 a.m. ET and concludes at the end of the second intermission that evening.
- 13 GAUDREAU 21 LAPEL PINS SALE – Lapel pins featuring the artwork of the special sticker Blue Jackets players are wearing on their helmets during the 2024-25 season will be on sale at the Foundation kiosk with proceeds benefitting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
Fans looking to participate in the Jersey Auction, Gameday Auction or purchase Lapel Pins to benefit the foundation can text JOHNNY to 26791 or visit cbjauction.givesmart.com.
The club also announced activities for the home games against the Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild.
On Oct. 17, the Blue Jackets will host the CBJ Plaza Party. Beginning at 3:30 p.m., fans can visit the arena for a party featuring a DJ, concessions, games, prizes, balloon artists, face painters and activities from Blue Jackets’ partners 97.1 The Fan, Fanatics, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Tim Hortons, Pepsi, Nationwide and Bread Financial.
Fans can also line the “blue carpet” to cheer on the Blue Jackets as they walk in for the game. Most players are expected to arrive between 4-5 p.m. Arena doors open at 5:30 p.m.
When the Blue Jackets take on the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 19, they will be celebrating the youngest fans of the 5th Line for Kids Opening Night. The first 5,000 kids to enter the arena will receive CBJ Kids Tech Tattoos.
The club will also host a free party on the Front Street Plaza beginning at 3:30 p.m. where kids are asked to welcome Blue Jackets players for a special, kid-friendly “blue carpet” arrival. The party will include face painters, balloon artists and other family-friendly entertainment.