Nearly a week after Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were tragically killed, Calgary hockey fans gathered on Wednesday night at the front steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome to pay their respects to the Gaudreau brothers.
As the crowd grew from hundreds to thousands, the mood at the candlelight vigil was mostly sombre, with families holding hands and many holding back tears in front of the massive memorial that now covers the steps leading up to the Saddledome entrance.
Several Flames’ players — past and present, along with their families — joined the organizational staff at the vigil, each wearing a Calgary No. 13 jersey in honour of Johnny Hockey. Chants of “Johnny, Johnny” broke out from the crowd as the Flames group made its way to the memorial.
Flames General Manager Craig Conroy, as well as team captain Mikael Backlund, spoke before the crowd, sharing stories about a humble Johnny Gaudreau and how much he meant to the organization.
“Following his death, it took a couple days for me to compose myself before I could attempt to show my love for Johnny and the Gaudreau family,” Conroy said on Wednesday night. “I believe the best way I can do that tonight is to share some stories from the beginning, before he became Johnny Hockey for the Calgary Flames.”
“Johnny always had a smile on his face, on and off the ice,” shared Backlund. “I’m going to miss that smile. I’m going to miss Johnny chirping me about everything like he always loved to do.”
“He would always be all over me about anything. ‘Come on, Backs, talk to the coach and get us a day off. Come on Backs, have a beer. Come on Backs, loosen up. Come on Backs, it’s just hockey.’
“I know I’m not as chill as you were, Johnny, but I’m working on it.”
On Aug. 29, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were cycling on a road near New Jersey, their home town, when they were struck from behind by an SUV. For more on the candlelight vigil and the Gaudreau brothers’ tragic passing, click here.