Red Wings Honor Johnny Hockey

Coach Todd McLellan was beaming with pride over the decision made by his Detroit Red Wings players on how they wanted to enter Ohio Stadium for Saturday’s Stadium Series game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Detroit players were opting to don the jerseys of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they did their ceremonial walk into the stadium.

“I give our guys credit,” McLellan said. “Our players deserve a lot of credit for accepting that responsibility of recognizing their contributions to the game, to Columbus.”

The Gaudreau brothers were both dying tragically last summer. While riding bikes, a car struck them.

For the Gaudreaus. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nME1VoA9He

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 1, 2025

The Gaudreau family led the Blue Jackets to the ice for the game, wearing Johnny’s No. 13 Columbus jersey. While the Red Wings didn’t wear Blue Jackets colors into the stadium, they did don several of the jerseys worn by the Gaudreaus during their playing days. Detroit’s American-born players wore Gaudreau USA jerseys.

Johnny and Matthew’s Boston College jerseys, as well as Matthew’s Omaha Lancers jersey, were adorning Detroit players.

Red Wings Captain Larkin Came Up With Idea

It was last summer, shortly after the tragedy, when Red Wings captain broached the idea of this unique way of celebrating the Gaudreaus with his close friend, Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski.

“I talked with Zach about it in the summer and just felt like it was right,” Larkin said. “A game like this, those guys should be celebrated. I asked the family and Meredith (Johnny’s widow) was all on board with it, so I appreciate them.”

Reppin' Johnny & Matthew pic.twitter.com/zHFAf1Q8RY

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 1, 2025

Larkin even took time to recognize the accomplishments the Blue Jackets have made this season while dealing with the tragic death of the club’s best player.

“I know we just lost those guys twice, but what those guys have been through, and knowing Zach personally, they’ve been the ringer. For the city, this night was special. And I hope Mr. And Mr. Gaudreau had something to smile about tonight.

“I want both of our teams in the playoffs. And I think those guys have quite the story going right now and sometimes it’s bigger than the game. Those guys are doing something that I tip my cap to and can appreciate it.”