HIGHLIGHTS

  • Blue Jackets fans sang Happy Birthday to Johnny Gaudreau’s son during Saturday’s game
  • Baby Johnny turned one on February 22, wore dad’s signature on his sweatshirt
  • Read below for the emotional tribute from Columbus fans

The Blue Jackets are awesome for doing this.

Columbus fans at Nationwide Arena sang “Happy Birthday” to baby Johnny Gaudreau on Saturday night. The youngest Gaudreau member was in attendance for Columbus’s game against the Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena.

The heartwarming moment happened during a first-period TV timeout. Baby Johnny appeared on the arena’s big screen wearing a sweatshirt with his late father’s signature. The little guy, who turned one on February 22, clapped along as thousands joined in the celebration.

Check out the awesome moment here:


This touching tribute comes nearly six months after Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver while cycling near their childhood home in New Jersey. The 31-year-old Blue Jackets star left behind his wife Meredith, daughter Noa, and Baby Johnny, who was just six months old at the time.

The Columbus community has rallied around the Gaudreau family throughout the season. The Blue Jackets wear Gaudreau’s number 13 on helmet decals and jersey patches. Meanwhile, Meredith has found support among fellow Blue Jackets wives. Earlier this month, they celebrated her baby shower as she prepares to welcome the couple’s third child.

The birthday celebration at Nationwide Arena was more than just a milestone; it was a heartfelt way to show Baby Johnny that his father’s hockey family will always be by his side.

One fan summed up the moment beautifully: “An entire arena singing Johnny Gaudreau’s baby a happy first birthday is what sports are all about.”

Just days earlier, Team USA honored Gaudreau’s memory at the 4 Nations Face-Off final. The Americans displayed his jersey in the locker room and fans at TD Garden chanted “Johnny Hockey!”.

Though he may be too young to remember this night, Baby Johnny showed that in Columbus, a Gaudreau birthday still brings the whole arena to its feet.