The hockey world in Calgary, and beyond, continues to mourn the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two beloved brothers whose lives were cut short in a devastating accident. The outpouring of support for the Gaudreau family has been nothing short of remarkable, as evidenced by the growing memorial outside the Saddledome.
TSN’s Salim Valji captured the sentiment of the community, reporting that hundreds of tribute messages were written in chalk near the steps of the Flames’ arena. The sheer number of messages reflects the impact that the Gaudreau brothers had on those around them.
Fans flocked to the memorial, leaving behind tokens of remembrance such as flowers, sticks, signs, candy, and even purple Gatorade, a nod to Johnny’s favorite drink. It was a touching display of love and respect for two individuals who had endeared themselves to the city during their time with the Flames.
The news of the Gaudreau brothers’ untimely passing sent shockwaves through the hockey world. The brothers were struck by a car while riding their bicycles in New Jersey, just days before their sister Katie’s wedding. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was later arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Since the tragic incident, tributes have poured in from all corners of the sports world. From family members to former teammates to sports icons like Wayne Gretzky and LeBron James, everyone who knew the Gaudreau brothers has paid their respects.
Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her undying love for her late husband. “Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours,” she wrote. “I love you so, so much. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again.”
Johnny Gaudreau, a fan favorite during his time in Calgary, played nine seasons with the Flames before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. His younger brother Matthew was a talented athlete in his own right, making a name for himself both on and off the ice.
As the hockey community continues to grieve the loss of the Gaudreau brothers, the memories they created will live on forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know them. May they rest in peace, knowing they were loved and admired by so many.
