As the hockey world mourns the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, many have looked for ways to honour their memories. Over the weekend, hockey fans placed hockey sticks by their front doors. Makeshift memorials have been created to honour the deceased. For Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield, he is honouring Johnny Gaudreau by changing his number.
Caufield Changes His Number
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Caufield announced his decision to change his sweater number.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 4, 2024
The sentiments expressed by Caufield are echoed by those who knew him and/or played alongside him. Like many, Caufield got to play against Johnny Hockey.
This is especially true in the 2021 season, where all the Canadian teams were placed in their own division. The Montreal Canadiens were all to familiar with facing all their fellow Canadian city teams that season. As a matter of fact, in Caufield’s NHL debut, he watched as the Calgary Flames Johnny Hockey would assist on their lone goal. Prior to this number change announced this evening, Caufield wore the number 22 for the bleu, blanc, et rouge.
The Hockey World Has Mourned, but Has Also Come Together
Caufield’s touching tribute has not been the first, nor will it be the last. Over the last few days, many current and past NHL players have paid tribute. Jaromir Jagr fondly remembers Johnny Hockey’s pass that set up what ended up being Jagr’s final career goal.
“It was a beautiful pass above all,” Jagr recalls. “Unfortunately, life can be sometimes unbelievably cruel. Thank you, Johnny Gaudreau, that you were here and you gave hope to all those guys by your unbelievable performances that they can succeed at the world class level in the NHL as you managed to do. My sincere condolences to your family. R.I.P. to you and your brother.”
Donations also continued to pile up to support Matthew’s widow, Madeline, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child and is due in December. Cliff Rucker, owner of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers, for whom Matthew played, is listed as the top donor on the GoFundMe.
“Maddy, the entire Railers HC family stands shoulder to shoulder with you during this incomprehensibly difficult time for you and your loved ones,” Rucker commented on the GoFundMe site. “You and Matty will always be part of our Railer family, and I hope you can feel the love and support we are sending your way.”
Johnny and Matthew, you left us too soon. But you will always live on in our hearts and in our memories.
Main Photo Credit: Russell LaBounty – USA TODAY Sports
