Photo credit: RDS
In what was an extremely emotional tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, Columbus' home opener this evening (October 15th) the Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers made the ultimate gesture to honour his legacy.
The Blue Jackets only sent out only 4 players to start the game, leaving the left wing position empty for Johnny Hockey. What is even more beautiful is that with the help of the Panthers, when the puck was dropped to begin the 1st period, both teams froze and let the clock run down 13-seconds to tribute the tragedy that occurred over the summer. The game officially resumed at 19:47 left on the clock.
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The puck is dropped with the Blue Jackets leaving a spot on the ice at LW open for Johnny Gaudreau.
The teams then let the clock run down exactly 13 seconds 🕊️❤️
In what was the home opener, it was expected that the Blue Jackets were going to put something very special on for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau , but nobody expected the way they went about it, it was truly beautiful. With his family in attendance, the team rose a banner in his honor while his best friends and current Columbus Blue Jacket Sean Monahan held Johnny's baby.
The team also released a tribute video that will leave you teary eyed.
