The Entire Columbus Blue Jackets Crowd Sang To Johnny Gaudreau Jr. For His First Birthday

Well if this isn't just the coolest tearjerker I've seen in quite some time. Most people know that Johnny Gaudreau aka "Johnny Hockey" tragically passed away last August when he and his brother were hit by a drunk driver with road rage while they were cycling in New Jersey, near their childhood home, on the eve of their sister's wedding. He left behind a wife and two young kids, including a newborn son named Johnny Jr. Well, fast forward about six months and today is Johnny Jr's first birthday. And the Columbus Blue Jackets came together and sang to the baby, while the widow Meredith held him up to a teary eyed crowd.

There's nothing like a crowd in unison singing in general, but this feels very special just from watching it online. I couldn't imagine being in the building. I couldn't imagine being the wife holding Johnny Jr....

It goes without saying but man, you feel for the family in what has gone down as one of the worst sports deaths I can remember. A wife left to raise two kids that won't really remember how awesome their dad was. But credit to the NHL, the Flames, the Blue Jackets, and the sport of hockey in general for really doing their best to make sure that Johnny Hockey is not forgotten and that his family gets as much support as they can throughout this awful tragedy. 

Good job tonight, Columbus.  Happy Birthday, Baby Johnny. RIP Big Johnny.