Cole Caufield to change jersey numbers this season to pay tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau
Photo credit: David Kirouac/USA TODAY Sports
Cole Caufield may be small in stature, but his heart is gigantic. Now, the Montreal Canadiens forward is paying tribute to his late hero Johnny Gaudreau this upcoming season.
Nearly one week ago, Johnny and his brother Matthew were fatally struck by a vehicle driven by a motorist under the influence of alcohol while cycling in New Jersey after leaving their sister's wedding rehearsal. The hockey world continues to mourn, and the outpouring of support physically, emotionally, and financially has been nothing short of incredible.
While many players posted tributes reflecting on the person Gaudreau was, and how he impacted everybody he met; one player has a much more personal way to honour Gaudreau this season, as Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield announced he was switching his jersey to #13 to honour the late player, who was his hero growing up.
This comes off Caufield posting a tear-jerking statement regarding the passing of Gaudreau as well.
The last part of the caption speaks volumes to how impactful the man affectionately known as 'Johnny Hockey' was.
"The last few years playing as #22 have been some of the best years of my life. It truly has been a dream come true and I will forever hold those memories and that number close to me. I wore #13 at a point in my career because of Johnny and now I will be wearing it again to honor him. He paved the way for smaller players and proved we had a future in this game at the highest level. I will forever be grateful to him for inspiring me and others.
Rest in Peace, Johnny hockey."
Rest in Peace, Johnny hockey."
With his infectious smile, Gaudreau must be looking down and smiling on Caufield and saying "Keep it going, kid." as he plays alongside heaven's legends.
| POLL | ||
4 SEPTEMBRE | 37 ANSWERS Cole Caufield to change jersey numbers this season to pay tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau Should Calgary or Columbus retire Johnny Gaudreau's number? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 51.4 % |
| No | 5 | 13.5 % |
| Both | 9 | 24.3 % |
| Only one will | 4 | 10.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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