Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers Honour Johnny Gaudreau With Emotional Opening Faceoff

Tragically, on their way home from the rehearsal dinner for their sister's wedding Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau passed away after succumbing to their injuries after being struck by a drunk driver at the end of August. The loss of two of the most beloved players in the hockey world devastated everyone with tributes pouring in across the world.

On Tuesday night, the Blue Jackets held their home opener with memorials set up around the arena to honour Matthew and Johnny in addition to both teams wearing Gaudreau jerseys during warm-ups and raising a banner for Johnny with his number 13 to the rafters. The tribute to the Gaudreau brothers continued with the opening faceoff, where Johnny's best friend, Sean Monahan, lined up against his fellow former Flames teammate, Sam Bennett.

When the official dropped the puck, Bennett let Monahan win the draw before both teams stood at center and let 13 seconds tick off the clock. Everyone in the arena, including players on both benches stood and cheered and when 13 seconds ticked off, officials blew the whistle and the crowd began chanting 'Johnny Hockey'.

Following a few moments to collect their emotions, players lined up again for a faceoff which Monahan won to officially begin the game. Monahan would end up scoring later in the game, pointing to Gaudreau's banner in the rafters. Unfortunately, the Panthers would prevail 4-3 in what was a very emotional, yet well thought out evening.