Photo credit: NHL.com

After Cole Caufield announced he would change his jersey number to honor Johnny Gaudreau, the deceased’s family replied to the post, expressing gratitude.

The hockey world is still mourning the horrific and untimely loss of former Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johhny “Hockey” Gaudreau, and his brother Matthew. The memorialization of the legendary NHLer has spread far and wide, stretching into other sports. Among the latest to honor the Gaudreau brothers was Denver Broncos Linebacker Alex Singleton.

The football player played for the Calgary Stampeders during his career in the Canadian Football League, and during recent walk-ins, he wore Johnny Gaudreau’s #13 Calgary Flames jersey.

“Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton honored Johnny Gaudreau before his game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday by wearing Gaudreau’s No. 13 Calgary Flames jersey during walk-ins.

From 2016-2018, Singleton played for the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders. During those seasons, Gaudreau was playing for the Flames.”

The grandest gesture honoring the late Blue Jackets forward came only days ago from Cole Caufield. After four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens as #22, the 23-year-old forward got special permission from the league to change his jersey number to #13 to pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau as he did during his pre-NHL days. He announced this adjustment in a long and heartfelt message on Instagram.

“We all lost an amazing person, both on and off the ice, in last week’s tragedy. My deepest condolences go to the entire Gaudreau family, especially Johnny’s wife and two kids, who I had the pleasure of meeting. Nothing will be able to fill the void in their families and loved ones hearts, but I hope it provides some comfort to know how these two positively impacted the lives of so many. They will truly be missed.

Getting to play with your hero is something that most people only dream of. I was lucky enough to be Johnny’s teammate this past summer and it didn’t take long to realize how great of a person he was. He was the most welcoming, genuine, and funniest guy I have ever met. He was someone everyone gravitated towards and I took every chance I could to be around him. Not only was he an amazing hockey player and teammate, but he was down to earth and truly cared about every person he encountered.

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.”

This gesture was meant with almost universal positivity, and the Gaudreau family was no exception. Johnny Gaudreau’s friend Kevin Hayes replied, sharing how he loved the tribute. It was to this comment that his widow Meredith Gaudreau left a heartfelt message, sharing how much both Kevin Hayes and Cole Caufield meant to the former NHL forward.

“Highlight of his summer was with you guys. He loves you eloc.”

Though there was little doubt that this tribute is a sign of great respect, there should be none now that the family has responded positively. Now, with Cole Caufield in a new jersey and a greater cause, there is no doubt he will make Johnny Gaudreau and Montreal Canadiens fans proud.