The Montreal Canadiens have announced that rookie forward Cole Caufield will now be wearing the number 13 on his jersey in honor of former teammate and mentor, Brendan Gaudreau.
Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2019, wore the number 13 during his time with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. Caufield, who was drafted by the Canadiens in 2019, had previously worn the number 8 in college and the number 22 during his brief stint with the Rocket.
The decision to switch to number 13 was made by Caufield himself, as a way to pay tribute to Gaudreau and honor his memory. In an interview with CTV News, Caufield stated, “Brendan was a great friend and mentor to me. He had a huge impact on my development as a player and as a person. Wearing his number is a way for me to keep his memory alive and honor him every time I step on the ice.”
Caufield also expressed his gratitude to the Gaudreau family for allowing him to wear the number 13. “I am incredibly grateful to the Gaudreau family for giving me their blessing to wear Brendan’s number. It means a lot to me and I will do my best to represent it with pride and honor.”
Gaudreau, who was known for his hard work and determination on the ice, was a beloved member of the Canadiens organization. His passing was a devastating loss for the team and the hockey community as a whole. Caufield’s decision to wear his number is a touching tribute to a teammate and friend who will never be forgotten.
The number 13 holds a special significance in hockey, often associated with players who possess a combination of skill, grit, and determination. Caufield, who is known for his scoring prowess and tenacity on the ice, is determined to live up to the legacy of the number and make Gaudreau proud.
Fans of the Canadiens have already shown their support for Caufield’s decision, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for the young player’s gesture. Caufield’s jersey with the number 13 is expected to be a top seller among fans.
The Canadiens’ organization has also expressed their support for Caufield’s decision, with General Manager Marc Bergevin stating, “We are proud of Cole for honoring Brendan in this way. It shows the kind of person he is and the respect he has for his former teammate. We know that Brendan will be watching over him and cheering him on.”
Caufield’s first game wearing the number 13 will be on October 13th, when the Canadiens face off against the Buffalo Sabres. It will undoubtedly be an emotional and meaningful moment for Caufield, his teammates, and the entire Canadiens community.
In honor of Gaudreau’s memory, the Canadiens will also be making a donation to the Brendan Gaudreau Memorial Fund, which supports youth hockey programs in the Montreal area.
As Caufield continues his journey with the Canadiens, he will carry the memory of his friend and mentor with him every step of the way. The number 13 will now hold a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans, as a symbol of the bond between two teammates and the enduring spirit of the game.
