‘Our hearts are broken’: Hockey world reacts to tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau

Condolences are pouring in after former Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver.

Condolences are pouring in after former Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver just a day before the duo were to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding.

The brothers were riding their bicycles Thursday night near their childhood home in New Jersey when they were struck from behind by a man who is now facing charges in their deaths.

A memorial is already building up on the steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome, where Flames fans are leaving flowers, hats, jerseys and even bags Skittles and purple Gatorade bottles, Gaudreau’s favourites.

Flames fan Aryan Zamani visited the growing memorial on Friday and said he couldn’t believe the news.

“When I heard the news this morning it made me sick to my stomach,” he said, adding he hoped it wasn’t true.

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, one of Gaudreau’s closest friends and former teammate, took to social media to share his devastation.

“Trying to find the right words today is not easy. You were a hell of a hockey player but it’s the person Johnny that is always going to be with me, one of my closest friends. It didn’t matter if we hadn’t talked in a day or a week, we always knew where we had each other,” he stated.

“There hasn’t been a dry eye in the Andersson house today, we all love you, Johnny.”