An empty and silent Saddledome featured a tribute to former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau on the scoreboard above centre ice on Friday morning.
The Flames posted a video of the shot of the Columbus Blue Jackets forward in a Flames uniform with the words: “In loving memory”, his name and “1993-2024.”
Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew died in New Jersey on Thursday when they were hit by a vehicle while they were riding bicycles. The driver has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Fans also left items to remember Gaudreau outside the Saddledome, including Skittles and purple Gatorade, per posts from Julian McKenzie of The Athletic and Danny Austin of the Calgary Sun.
Gaudreau’s dad helped teach him to skate while spreading Skittles across the ice, while Johnny had a trademark purple Gatorade goal celebration in Calgary.
The Calgary Tower announced the tower would be lit in Flames colours Friday to honour Johnny and Matthew.
Flames legend Lanny McDonald paid his tribute to the Gaudreau brothers on Instagram.
“There are no words that can match the tragedy of what has happened,” McDonald wrote. “Waking up to the news of Johnny and Matthew’s passing hit my family like a ton of bricks, not only for their senseless deaths, but the gripping heartbreak for their loved ones who face the unimaginable.
“Let the hockey world rally around the Gaudreaus, their family and friends, and although we can’t even start to understand the depth of their shock and pain, I hope they are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support.”
In Columbus outside Nationwide Arena, a video board had the words: “In loving memory. Johnny Gaudreau.”
Adam King of 10TV showed footage of people dropping off flowers near the sign. A hockey stick also was dropped off.
The main mural outside the arena features a photo of Gaudreau with his teammates.
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner also took to Instagram to honour Gaudreau. His post shared multiple pictures of them together on the ice, photos from the golf course, a video of Gaudreau wearing dress shoes with shorts and a photo of Gaudreau and his family.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken to be posting this, but John deserves to be honoured today and always. Take the hockey out of Johnny. You have one of the best friends, teammates, sons, brothers, husbands, and above all, fathers out there,” Jenner captioned the post. “It’s impossible to put into words how much we will miss you man. I’ll miss the back door tap ins, our battles at the card table, our golf matches, but most of all I’ll miss you wearing black dress shoes with shorts on every Florida road trip.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau and Morris family and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy and loss. I love you buddy. May John and Matthew rest in peace.”
Hockey fans in other cities also paid their respects.
In Toronto, one fan put flowers outside Scotiabank Arena.