Calgary Flames & Blue Jackets fans attend heartwarming candlelight vigils to mourn Matthew & Johnny Gaudreau

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Sep 05, 2024 05:36 GMT

Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets fans gathered to honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau after their tragic death last week. Both cities, where Johnny left a lasting mark through his hockey career, held candlelight vigils to remember the Gaudreau brothers, who were hit by a vehicle while riding bicycles in New Jersey.

In Columbus, fans gathered outside Nationwide Arena for 13 minutes and 21 seconds of silence. The numbers represented Johnny’s number 13, which he wore during his NHL career, and Matthew’s number 21, which he wore when he played alongside his brother at Boston College.

Erik Gudbranson, Johnny’s former teammate at Calgary and Columbus, spoke of the deep sadness everyone felt. He described Johnny as not just a great player, but also a cherished friend.

“You guys are not only standing by us in tough times and hockey seasons, but when it matters most,” Gudbranson said (via NHL.com). “Our hearts are shattered in a million pieces. There's no doubt about that. John, he was an amazing teammate, an amazing friend."

Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner also shared how Johnny’s joy and positivity touched everyone around him.

“He was a friend, father, a husband, son and a brother, as we all got to witness,” Jenner said. “He was an amazing hockey player that played with such passion and joy every time he took the ice. He carried that same joy off the ice. He was such a fun guy to be around."

Fans and players left mementos, including flowers and Johnny’s favorite grape Gatorade, at a growing memorial.

Calgary Flames forward Michael Backlund reflects on Johnny Gaudreau's impact

Columbus forward Cole Sillinger shared how Johnny's time with the Calgary Flames made him a fan, despite being from a rival hockey family.

“I became an Oilers/Gaudreau fan, which was pretty oxymoronic,” Sillinger said. “My brothers and I played a lot of pond hockey in Saskatchewan. Quite often we'd be pretending to be No. 13 for the Calgary Flames.”

In Calgary, fans came together at the Scotiabank Saddledome, where Johnny Gaudreau’s number 13 was displayed on the building. Michael Backlund, his former teammate, also reflected on Johnny’s positive influence.

"Johnny was a great teammate and friend,” Backlund said. “I feel lucky I got to see him firsthand, growing up from a college boy into a man. I remember sitting injured on my couch in my apartment in Calgary watching Johnny Hockey's first NHL game. Of course he scored a goal right away.”

Calgary Flames president Robert Hayes, general manager Craig Conroy, and Lanny McDonald also shared memories of Johnny.