Blue Jackets' Sean Monahan Feels Heartwarming Support from Teammate Johnny Gaudreau After Emotional Win
After Johnny's untimely passing, the Blue Jackets decided to pay tribute to his legacy throughout the season. They set up a memorial inside the arena, left his locker untouched, and packed a No. 13 jersey (Johnny's number) for every away game. Additionally, players adorned their helmets with a "Gaudreau" sticker and wore a No. 13 patch on their jerseys.
In the face of tragedy, the bond between teammates like Monahan and the enduring spirit of Johnny Gaudreau continue to inspire and unite the hockey community in a display of love and support.
She continued, "The tribute last night was heart-wrenching yet beautiful. Johnny will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who cherished him in Calgary."
"Hearing Johnny's goal song in the Dome again sent shivers down my spine," Meredith shared on her Instagram Story on Sunday, October 13. "The sea of red erupted, chanting his name as they always did when Johnny scored, be it a simple or miraculous goal."
Various NHL teams also honored Johnny. His former team, the Calgary Flames, paid tribute by playing a video in his memory during a game, featuring his goal song, "Johnny B. Goode," while displaying his No. 13 on the Jumbotron.
"The weight of this loss is heavy on us. We've lost a remarkable individual," Monahan reflected last month. "It's a constant presence in my mind. We aim to give our best performance in Johnny's honor."
The Columbus Blue Jackets celebrated their first victory of the season, a poignant moment for center Sean Monahan, who was grappling with the recent passing of his friend and teammate, Johnny Gaudreau.
"It's been incredibly tough. I haven't really spoken about it publicly. Finding the right words is a challenge, but I'm looking forward to the season," Monahan expressed during a press conference on September 18. "We will miss Johnny dearly. It's a thought that lingers every day. It's a tough journey, but we have a fantastic group here. We will honor him as a team."
Johnny and Monahan's friendship blossomed during their time as teammates with the Calgary Flames. This season was supposed to be a new chapter for them, playing together for the Blue Jackets.
Johnny, a forward for the Blue Jackets, tragically lost his life in a car accident in August, alongside his brother Matthew Gaudreau. The hockey world mourned the loss of the 31-year-old Johnny and his 29-year-old brother.
Monahan, who recently joined the Blue Jackets, played a pivotal role in the team's 6-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on that Saturday. This win marked a significant moment for the squad, being their first triumph since Johnny's passing.
Johnny Gaudreau's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, reposted a clip of the game on her Instagram Story, adding the caption, "Family ❤️."
"It was a mix of emotions to secure our first win. The support from this team means everything," shared the 29-year-old Monahan with reporters after the game on Saturday, October 12. "I feel the love from my teammates, and especially from John."
