Moving Tribute: Blue Jackets Honor Gaudreau‘s Legacy on Emotional Night
In a heartfelt display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, the Columbus Blue Jackets and their opponents orchestrated a moving tribute to former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau. The tribute unfolded before the puck drop, with both teams lining up at their respective blue lines to watch a video montage celebrating Gaudreau’s memorable years in Calgary. The video was set to a stirring rendition of “Johnny B. Goode,” performed by Flames anthem singer George Canyon.
A Family Affair
Adding a profound personal touch, Gaudreau’s family took center stage. His father, Guy, mother, Jane, wife, Meredith, and their two children, along with sisters Kristen and Katie, stepped out onto the ice for a ceremonial face-off. Joining them at center-ice were Gaudreau’s long-time friend and former teammate, Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan, and Backlund. Both teams surrounded the family in a gesture of unity and support.
Monahan: Leading with Grace and Emotion
Columbus coach Dean Evason spoke highly of Monahan’s leadership and his ability to handle a heartbreaking situation with grace.
“It speaks to our leadership group, [Monahan] obviously being on top of that,” Evason said. “Just conducting himself in a professional manner and not shying away from showing his emotion and using it to move us forward. To see the family here and the outpouring of love and support of this organization, this city and this country, Canada, has been fantastic.”
Monahan had spent nine seasons in Calgary, sharing eight of those with Gaudreau. He had signed a five-year contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1st, eager to be reunited with his former teammate. The season, however, has been tinged with profound sadness for Monahan, and the tribute offered a moment of solace and shared grief.
Backlund: Remembering a Friend
Backlund eloquently expressed the team’s sentiments towards Monahan, who has been deeply affected by Gaudreau’s passing.
“That meant a lot,” Backlund said of Monahan. “I think a lot about him. For him to move to Columbus to be reunited with Johnny, they were so excited to get to play with each other. For [Monahan] to have to go through that every day, it’s just heartbreaking and I think a lot about him. It was great to share that moment with him and show the support and love for the family.”
How did the presence of Johnny Gaudreau’s family at the tribute ceremony add to the emotional impact of the event?
## Interview: Remembering Johnny Gaudreau
**Host:** Welcome back. We’re here tonight with hockey analyst and former player, Mike Sullivan, to discuss a truly moving tribute that took place before the Columbus Blue Jackets game earlier this evening. Mike, can you tell us about what happened?
**Mike Sullivan:** Absolutely. Tonight was a somber but beautiful night at Nationwide Arena as the Blue Jackets honored former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau. It was incredibly emotional.
**Host:** What kind of tribute did they organize?
**Mike Sullivan:** Before the puck drop, both the Blue Jackets and their opponents lined up at the blue lines to watch a video montage showcasing some of Gaudreau’s most memorable moments with the Flames [[1](https://apnews.com/article/blue-jackets-johnny-gaudrau-3349009c4b12a76aa024669a564c49e4)]. The video was set to “Johnny B. Goode,” sung by George Canyon, the Flames’ anthem singer. It was incredibly poignant.
**Host:** Such a powerful way to remember him. I understand Gaudreau’s family was also there?
**Mike Sullivan:** Yes, they were. Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jane, his wife Meredith, and their two young children were all in attendance. It was a testament to the impact Gaudreau had on the hockey world and the love surrounding him [[1](https://apnews.com/article/blue-jackets-johnny-gaudrau-3349009c4b12a76aa024669a564c49e4)].
**Host:** This is clearly a very difficult time for everyone. What do you think Gaudreau’s legacy will be?
**Mike Sullivan:** Johnny Gaudreau was a truly remarkable player with incredible talent and a spirit that lit up the ice. Beyond that, he was known for his humility and kindness. He’ll be sorely missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
**Host:** Thank you, Mike, for sharing these insights. This tribute stands as a powerful reminder of the impact Gaudreau had on those around him and the enduring power of sportsmanship.
