Fans gathered on the front steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome on an emotional Wednesday night as the Calgary Flames held a candlelight vigil for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.
The mood was mostly somber as the crowd grew from hundreds to thousands leading up to the program paying respect to the two brothers who died tragically last week.
Couples embraced, families held hands and fans of all ages wiped back tears in front of the giant memorial that covers the 31 steps leading up to the arena entrance and has spilled over to the grassy hill beside it.
When Flames players, their families and other organizational staff came out onto the stairs wearing No. 13 Gaudreau jerseys, chants of “Johnny, Johnny” broke out from the crowd.
And the emotions lightened as a lineup of speakers shared fond memories of Gaudreau.
On Aug. 29, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road near their hometown in New Jersey when 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, driving an SUV in the same direction, attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Calgary tribute of flowers, jerseys, photos, sticks and other items that represent the Gaudreaus has grown exponentially since.
A fourth-round pick in 2011, Gaudreau racked up 609 points (210 goals, 399 assists) during his time with the Flames, the fifth most in the NHL over that span behind Connor McDavid, Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby and Leon Draisaitl.
His time with the Flames culminated in a career-best 40 goals and 115 points in his final season with Calgary before he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets.
His 90 even-strength points that season were the most since Jaromir Jagr (95) in 1995-96. The same Jagr who Gaudreau set up for his 766th and final NHL goal on Nov. 9, 2017.
Gaudreau became a superstar that was a fan favorite.
After Flames icon Lanny McDonald, Mattias Backlund and GM Craig Conroy spoke, fans held up their phones while displaying a candle app — and the 13-minute vigil began.
The ceremony was capped off by a special rendition of Johnny B. Goode by country music artist, George Canyon, the team’s anthem singer.
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