Adam Sandler honours Johnny Gaudreau in a heartwarming way in movie Happy Gilmore 2
Photo credit: The Daily Beast
Hollywood comedy icon Adam Sandler has sparked buzz among hockey fans after a subtle but emotional tribute in Happy Gilmore 2, a nod that honored a late Columbus Blue Jackets legend and left viewers talking long after the credits rolled.
The long-awaited sequel to Sandler's 1996 classic is filled with callbacks to the original, but one detail stood out for fans of the NHL.
While filming in New Jersey, Sandler donned a purple Ice House Hockey jersey with the number 13 on the back, the same number Johnny Gaudreau proudly wore during his NHL career.
Though never directly mentioned in the movie, the gesture didn't go unnoticed by the hockey community.
Darryl Dobbs, founder of Dobber Hockey, pointed it out on social media, writing:
«While filming scenes in New Jersey, Adam Sandler wore an Ice House Hockey jersey featuring the number 13. A quiet but meaningful nod to Johnny Gaudreau, who also wore #13 and hails from the Garden State.»
Adam Sandler's jersey tribute keeps Johnny Gaudreau's memory alive for NHL fans
The Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL have made several efforts to keep Gaudreau's legacy alive following his tragic passing last summer.
Most recently, Gaudreau's wife, Meredith, was invited to the 2025 NHL Draft to announce the team's first-round pick, defenseman Jackson Smith, to a standing ovation.
Sandler's choice resonates beyond the screen, serving as another moment where Gaudreau's impact is felt across the hockey world.
«It's a reminder that Johnny's influence goes far beyond the ice. Even Hollywood icons want to honor him,» one NHL executive told Sportsnet.
Gaudreau, who played 763 NHL games with the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, remains one of the league's most beloved stars, with 243 goals, 500 assists, and a lasting legacy in both the NHL and U.S. hockey.
I loved watching and seeing this scene in the movie!
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