'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Fans in Calgary gathered outside the Scotiabank Saddledome to honor Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Both brothers died in a biking accident on Thursday.
Johnny Gaudreau, a former Calgary Flames forward, was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time of his death, and Matthew were in their hometown for their sister’s wedding.
They were biking on Country Route 551 North when a driver hit them. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of 'death by auto'. The accident is under investigation.
At the Saddledome, fans left flowers, bouquets and messages for Johnny and Matthew. The messages included:
“Thank you for making me love hockey.”
“Game 7, 05/15/22, Thank you Johnny Hockey.”
“We will never forget you Johnny Hockey.”
Others wrote:
“Love you Johnny and Matthew.”
and “Rest easy Johnny & Matthew, you will be missed, We love you.”
Calgary Flames employee Rick Tulsie tweeted about the scene:
“Done working in our #Saddledome. I finally had the courage to ride out to the West Entrance to see the memorial on the steps. WOW. This is growing fast. So sad. A LARGE group of folks there & NOT a sound. A bike group is doing a parade as well.”
Here's the video:
Apart from the memorial, a bike parade was held. The tribute showed the strong impact Johnny and Matthew had on their community and fans.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman shared his shock over Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's deaths. Bettman praised Johnny for his skill and character.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ " (via NHL.com)
"He was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path."
Gaudreau played nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and later with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was also a key player at Boston College, where he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. Bettman also mentioned Gaudreau's impact at Gloucester Catholic High School, where Matthew coached.
The NHL offered its condolences to Gaudreau’s wife Meredith, their children, his parents and sisters. The league also mourns with his teammates, friends and fans. Gaudreau, drafted by the Flames in 2011, had 743 points in 763 regular-season games and 33 points in 42 playoff games.
