Calgary fans remember Flames star forward 'Johnny Hockey'
CBC
Fans left bouquets of flowers, Calgary hockey gear and various tributes on the steps of the Saddledome to honour former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau on Friday.
Gaudreau and his brother were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver when they were cycling in their home state of New Jersey on Thursday night.
Gaudreau, 31, and brother, Matthew, 29, are natives of Carneys Point, N.J., and were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
Hailed as one of the top hockey players in North America, the skilful forward dubbed "Johnny Hockey" by fans was a father and husband. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
He played eight full seasons with the Flames before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.
Devoted Calgary fans of the star forward are pouring their hearts out in reaction to his tragic death.
Fans described Gaudreau as one of the few bright stars that the Flames have had since the tenure of Calgary legend Jarome Iginla. Gaudreau was the face of the franchise for years.
Anthony Verdone, who left Skittles and purple Gatorade at the Saddledome as a tribute to Gaudreau, told CBC News the items carry a sentimental weight for fans.
"Skittles were kind of what he grew up playing hockey with. His dad used to give them to him to incentivize him to play," he said.
Verdone left the Gatorade as a nod to the drink of choice for Gaudreau and his former linemates, Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm when they played together in Calgary.
"Just a little tribute to one of the best Calgary Flames ever," Verdone said.
"I was lucky enough to meet Johnny a couple times, just around the city, and more so than him just being a great hockey player, he was a great person."
James Bunker, a longtime fan of the Flames, told CBC News it was surreal to learn of Gaudreau's death.
"He'll go down in history as one of the guys we always talk about," Bunker said.
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