In a heart-wrenching display of unity and support, fans from near and far gathered outside the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary for a candlelight vigil honoring the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as the crowd steadily grew in size, transitioning from a few hundred to thousands as the evening progressed.
Couples clung to each other, families huddled together, and individuals of all ages shed tears openly, their sorrow palpable as they stood before the towering memorial that adorned the 31 steps leading to the arena entrance. The memorial, overflowing onto the adjacent grassy hill, served as a poignant tribute to the beloved brothers who met a tragic end the previous week.
As Flames players, accompanied by their families and team staff, emerged onto the steps clad in No. 13 Gaudreau jerseys, the crowd erupted in chants of “Johnny, Johnny,” a poignant reminder of the impact the young hockey star had made on the community. The somber mood gradually gave way to lighter emotions as a lineup of speakers took to the stage to share their cherished memories of Gaudreau.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy, visibly emotional, spoke of his deep bond with Johnny beyond the confines of the arena. “My relationship with Johnny went far beyond this arena. We had a bond that extended to his family, which I will cherish forever,” Conroy shared, his voice cracking with emotion. “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. 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.”
Conroy reminisced about his early encounters with the unassuming Gaudreau, long before his awe-inspiring performances at the Saddledome. Flames captain Mikael Backlund, fighting back tears, spoke on behalf of the team, offering his own heartfelt memories of Gaudreau.
“Johnny always had a smile on his face, on and off the ice. I’m going to miss that smile. I’m going to miss Johnny chirping me about everything like he always loved to do,” Backlund recalled, his voice tinged with sadness. “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.'”
As the candles flickered in the night, illuminating the faces of those gathered in remembrance, the air was heavy with a sense of loss, but also filled with love and cherished memories of a young life gone too soon. The vigil served as a fitting tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, bringing solace to a community united in grief.
