Former Montreal Canadiens player Sean Monahan honoured friend Johnny Gaudreau in the best possible way last night.
It's no secret that former Montreal Canadiens player Sean Monahan signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent last Summer to be reunited with former Calgary Flames teammate and friend Johnny Gaudreau. Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans cannot overcome tragedy, and the reunion will never materialize since Gaudreau and his brother fell victim to an alleged drunk driver less than two months ago.
Last night, Gaudreau was honoured before the Blue Jackets' home opener. Players from both the Jackets and the visiting Florida Panthers wore number 13 Gaudreau jerseys for warmup. A banner was raised to the rafters of the Nationwide arena, and a special faceoff took place. The puck was dropped and sent to the vacant left wing, where he would have lined up. For 13 seconds, the play stood still as a final tribute to the dearly departed number 13.
Fittingly, when Monahan scored a goal in the game, he pointed to the heavens and the banner honoring his fallen friend in the rafters, but it's not that gesture that resonated the most with me. Seeing number 23 standing next to Meredith Gaudreau during the pre-game ceremony and holding one of the couple's two kids as the banner was raised got me.
That's Sean Monahan for you; he's there when you need him and ready to help whichever way he can. Ultimately, his signature with the Blue Jackets has made it possible for the widow to have a close friend beside her as she faces this incredibly sad and challenging time.
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