Canadiens player Caufield wears number 13 in honor of Johnny Gaudreau

American-born forward Cole Caufield is devastated by the tragic death of his hockey hero Johnny Gaudreau last week and will change jersey numbers with the Montreal Canadiens this season.

Caufield, 23, will wear No. 13 instead of No. 22 to honor his former teammate and friend who was killed last Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while bicycling with his brother Matthew and was struck from behind by a motorist.

Sean Higgins, 43, was charged with two counts of negligent homicide in connection with the deaths of the two brothers.

Caufield and Johnny Gaudreau played together for the US team at the IIHF Hockey World Championship last May.

“Being able to play with your hero is something most people only dream of. I was lucky enough to be Johnny's teammate this past summer and it didn't take long for me to realize what a great person he is,” Caufield wrote on his Instagram account.

“He was the kindest, most genuine, funniest guy I've ever met. He was someone everyone gravitated towards and I took every opportunity to be around him. Not only was he a great hockey player and teammate, but he was down to earth and genuinely cared about every person he met.

“The last few years as number 22 were some of the best years of my life. It was truly a dream come true and I will carry those memories and that number with me forever. I wore number 13 at one point in my career because of Johnny and now I will wear it again to honor him.

“He paved the way for smaller players and proved that we have 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 report by The Canadian Press was first published September 3, 2024.