Condolences are pouring in after former Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver just a day before the duo were to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding.
The brothers were riding their bicycles Thursday night near their childhood home in New Jersey when they were struck from behind by a man who is now facing charges in their deaths.
A memorial is already building up on the steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome, where Flames fans are leaving flowers, hats, jerseys and even bags Skittles and purple Gatorade bottles, Gaudreau’s favourites.
Flames fan Aryan Zamani visited the growing memorial on Friday and said he couldn’t believe the news.
“When I heard the news this morning it made me sick to my stomach,” he said, adding he hoped it wasn’t true.
Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, one of Gaudreau’s closest friends and former teammate, took to social media to share his devastation.
“Trying to find the right words today is not easy. You were a hell of a hockey player but it’s the person Johnny that is always going to be with me, one of my closest friends. It didn’t matter if we hadn’t talked in a day or a week, we always knew where we had each other,” he stated.
“There hasn’t been a dry eye in the Andersson house today, we all love you, Johnny.”
Global News spoke with Flames hockey announcer Beesley, who fought back tears as he fondly recalled what made Johnny such a special addition to the city.
“Likeable person,’ he said, adding Gaudreau was an instant favourite among fans because he brought an electrifying energy.
Beesley says it’s going to be devastating to host the Columbus Blue Jackets when they return to the city next season.
“That’ll be tough, because we’re missing #13.”
Ryan Pike of Flames Nation spoke to Global News, sharing his fond memories of Gaudreau.
“He really loved his teammates, he really loved his family,” Pike said, recalling how Gaudreau chose to stay an extra year at Boston College instead of opting for the NHL just so he could play a season with his brother, Matthew.
“That’s to me the overriding memory of Johnny.”
The Calgary Flames released a statement Friday sharing their thoughts and prayers:
“It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.”
Tsuut’ina Chief Roy Whitney also put out a statement, saying the nation was shocked to learn of the news about Gaudreau and said he will live on in their hearts.
“It’s no secret that most Tsuut’ina people are rabid hockey fans, and this news hits hard. Johnny was simply magical on the ice. I cannot remember another player with such skating skill and such mastery of the game, and yet with a gentle demeanor and humility that made him an instant fan favourite.”
Gaudreau was affectionally known as “Johnny Hockey” and he quickly became a fan favourite in Calgary where he was drafted in the fourth round and he spent nine seasons with the Flames.
Despite signing a seven-year, $68.25-million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets as the top free agent on the market in 2022, he is still loved and cherished by Flames fans who are reeling at the news. The Calgary Tower is expected to be lit up on Friday night in red in honour of Gaudreau.