Blue Jackets, Red Wings honour Gaudreaus at Stadium Series

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s lasting impact was well on display at Saturday’s Stadium Series game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings.

Both teams honoured Gaudreau with their arrival outfits for the game, and the Blue Jackets were led into Ohio Stadium by the Gaudreau family — who are also expected to lead Columbus out of the tunnel before the game.

The Blue Jackets all arrived wearing what team captain Boone Jenner described as a “signature Johnny fit.” Black Ugg boots, black sweat pants, a sweatshirt from Avalan Surf Shop in New Jersey and a Black AMIRI hat with three black stars.

According to NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, the team came up with the idea during training camp and enlisted the help of Johnny’s widow, Meredith, for assistance in constructing the outfit.

“When we see these outfits we think of him and it reminds us of him,” Jenner told Rosen. “It’s very special to us. We wanted to make sure we put the right pieces in to honor him the right way, the whole fit. I think it’s a good tribute the way it’s done. It’s not hockey equipment, just street clothes, more the person he was and the good memories we have.”

Columbus also had a stall set up for Gaudreau in the Ohio State locker room.

In the other dressing room, the Red Wings had a tribute of their own set up.

Each Detroit player arrived at the arena wearing a Gaudreau jersey from across Johnny and Matthew’s career.

You can stream the action between the Blue Jackets and Red Wings on Sportsnet+. Coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

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