New Found Glory bassist pays tribute to Johnny Gaudreau on stage in Germany
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The bassist for the pop-punk band New Found Glory paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau at a recent tour date in Germany.
Video posted to YouTube shows Ian Grushka of the Florida-based band with several stickers on his instrument during the band's show on Wednesday in Hamburg, Germany. One sticker was the Columbus Blue Jackets logo and another was the number 13, which was Gaudreau's number.
A third sticker said "Gaudreau" with the numbers 13 and 21, the latter being the number of his brother Matthew at Boston College. Several photos on social media also showed the stickers.
It's unknown what connection Grushka has with Columbus and the Gaudreaus, but posts on his Instagram and a media interview show he's an avid hockey fan.
The Gaudreaus were both killed in August when they were hit by a suspected drunken driver while in New Jersey for their sister's wedding.
Johnny Gaudreau was recently named to the NHL's all quarter-century team as part of the group whose debuts came after 2010.
“Johnny Hockey” amassed 243 goals and 500 assists over 11 seasons in the NHL. He signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in 2022 and led the team in points with 74 and 60, respectively, including 101 assists. He chose the Blue Jackets over bigger contract offers, saying he wanted to be able to raise his family in central Ohio.