The Columbus Blue Jackets have introduced a fun yet competitive post-practice tradition they now call the "Johnny skate." It’s simple but adds a unique twist—after practice, a player takes a shot from the far end of the ice toward the opposite goal. If they make it, the whole team only has to skate one lap. If they miss, they skate three laps. Here's the kicker—this ritual plays off Johnny Gaudreau's jersey number, 13, with the 1 and 3 laps perfectly symbolizing the number worn by Gaudreau.
But Monday's session was special in a different way. The shooter missed the shot on purpose, and no one was upset about it. Why? Because the man taking the shot was Guy Gaudreau, the father of the late Johnny Gaudreau. A touching moment that drew smiles from the team, as it wasn't just any practice—it was a day to honor Johnny and his brother, Matthew.
Guy Gaudreau was a guest at the Blue Jackets' practice on Monday, the day before the team’s home opener against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. With a stick in his hand, Guy skated around the rink with a few of the players, bringing a little extra energy to the ice. He encouraged them as they passed by with the tap of his stick and gave each player a fist-bump before practice wrapped up. It was a heartwarming sight that left everyone with a warm feeling despite the emotional weight surrounding the day.
The Gaudreau brothers, Johnny and Matthew, tragically lost their lives on August 29th when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in South Jersey, the night before their sister Katie’s wedding. Johnny, who had been a standout NHL star, was about to start his third season with the Blue Jackets and his 11th season in the league. It was a tragic blow, not just to the Gaudreau family but to the hockey world at large.
Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason summed it up best when he said, "He loves the game, loves hockey. It was a joy to have him out there." This sentiment was shared by everyone at the practice, as Guy Gaudreau’s presence was both uplifting and emotional.
Having Guy on the ice was a poignant reminder of Johnny’s own habits. As Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly said, “It just reminds you of the exact same stuff John would do.” That resemblance, that familiar energy, made Guy’s presence all the more meaningful for the players and staff.
Though Monday wasn’t Guy’s first skate of the season—he had previously been a guest at a Philadelphia Flyers practice—it still held significant weight. The idea for his appearance was inspired by Flyers coach John Tortorella, who welcomed Guy to their practice last month. Evason saw the value in that gesture and extended the invitation to Columbus, a decision that undoubtedly added a sense of closure and healing for everyone involved.
As the team prepares for Tuesday night’s emotional home opener, the tributes to the Gaudreau brothers continue to pour in from all corners of the hockey world. It’s not just the Blue Jackets who are feeling the loss—it’s the entire NHL community. In Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau began his illustrious NHL career, goaltender Dustin Wolf paid tribute in a deeply personal way. Wolf’s goalie mask now serves as a memorial to the brothers, featuring their jersey numbers and an image of Johnny in his Calgary Flames uniform. In a heartwarming detail, the mask even includes purple Gatorade and Skittles, two of Johnny’s favorite treats, adding an extra layer of sentimentality to the tribute.
There’s no question that Tuesday night’s game will be charged with emotion. The weight of the loss is still fresh, but moments like Guy Gaudreau’s appearance at practice help create a sense of unity and shared grief. It’s a reminder that the hockey community is a family, and when one part of that family is hurting, everyone comes together to offer support.
Even though Guy initially declined the chance to speak to the team, he eventually shared a few words with the players. His quiet strength was evident, and it was clear how much being around Johnny’s teammates meant to him. After practice, he asked Evason a simple question: “Are you having a morning skate on Tuesday?” When Evason confirmed that they were, Guy’s response was immediate: “I’ll be there for that as well.”
“He just wants to be around,” Evason said. “It’s fantastic.”
Guy’s desire to remain close to Johnny’s team speaks volumes about the healing power of community and the comfort that can be found in familiar surroundings. He’s not just there for the team—they’re there for him too.
While the shadow of loss looms large, moments like these allow for the celebration of life and the lasting legacy of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The hockey world may never be the same without them, but through their father and the tributes being made in their honor, their memory lives on in a way that transcends the game. The “Johnny skate” will likely become a new tradition, a small way for the Blue Jackets to keep Johnny’s spirit on the ice with them every day.
It’s more than just a shot from the far end of the rink. It’s a reminder of a player who gave everything to the game and a family that continues to inspire even in the face of heartbreaking loss. The Gaudreaus may no longer be here physically, but their impact is felt every time the puck drops, every time a player taps their stick, and every time the “Johnny skate” brings the team together—whether for one lap or three.
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