The National Hockey League put on a great show on Saturday when they traveled to Ohio Stadium, aka The Shoe, for the Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the hometown Columbus Blue Jackets.

Meredith Gaudreau writes a beautiful message to fans.

This game of course had an extra special undertone to it due to the recent tragedy that took the life of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, with tributes to the former Blue Jackets forward set to take place both prior due and during the event itself.

I am happy to report that the event saw an outpouring of love and support for the Gaudreau family, including tributes being worn by the players and coaches, participation from the Gaudreau family itself, and all kinds of fan tributes from the nearly 90,000 fans that packed Ohio Stadium on Saturday. Perhaps my favorite however was a large flag displaying Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey making its way through the crowd during the course of the game.

I suspect that it may have touched the heart of Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, as well because she chose to use it as the background of a very special message that she made public on Sunday. Sending the message through the official social media channels for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Meredith penned a short but beautiful message that thanked the league itself, the Detroit Red Wings, the Columbus Blue Jackets and of course the fans for all the love and support she, her children and her family received during Saturday’s special event.

From Meredith:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the NHL, Detroit Red Wings and especially the Columbus Blue Jackets for honoring John in so many ways during the Stadium Series this weekend. The management, players, wives and fans from both organizations made my family feel so loved and supported.

Thank you most of all for including our children by making them a big part of all the events throughout the weekend. I know John truly appreciates it as much as I do.

All my love,
Meredith Gaudreau

I can only hope that the continued outpouring of love and support for the Gaudreau family from the hockey community will help bring them some small comfort as they continue to live through this terrible ordeal.