True 13 rules of the Gaudreau League

It’s been just over two months since Columbus Blue Jackets star player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver during a bike ride during their sister’s wedding weekend. Since then, tributes have multiplied from Columbus to Calgary to Montreal to any city that truly loves hockey.

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The hockey community was shocked to its core, and fans of the Blue Jackets and his former team, the Calgary Flames, as well as many other markets, mourned their deaths. We have moments of silence, banners go up on rafts, players wear league-wide helmet decals, all previously announced and planned honors are well deserved.

However, there is something that was not planned. As the calendar turns to November and all but three teams have played at least 10 games, co-leader in goals is Nico Hischier and Cole Caufield with 10 goals, both wearing Gaudreau’s number 13. Runners-up are Nikita Kucherov and Sam Reinhart with nine goals and the latter also wears number 13.

Granted, it’s probably just a coincidence, but life works out in mysterious ways, as they say, and seeing No. 13 right up there in the running for the Rocket Richard Trophy is another reminder of a player who will never be forgotten.

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