Fans gather at candlelight vigils for Gaudreaus in Calgary, Columbus
Fans gathered at candlelight vigils to honor the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on Wednesday.
The Columbus Blue Jackets remembered the brothers outside of Nationwide Arena, while the Calgary Flames did so by Scotiabank Saddledome.
Flames president and CEO Robert Hayes, general manager Craig Conroy, captain Mikael Backlund, and franchise icon Lanny McDonald spoke in Calgary.
"Johnny always had that smile on his face, on and off the ice," said Backlund, who played eight seasons with Gaudreau in Calgary. "I'm going to miss that smile. I'm going to miss Johnny chirping me about everything, like he always loved to do. ... Rest in peace, Johnny and Matthew; I hope you're having your pasta just the way you like it up there."
Conroy was in Flames management for Gaudreau's entire tenure in Calgary. He told stories of Johnny before he became an NHL superstar, such as at the draft, when Gaudreau dazzled at development camp, and the recruitment trip to get Johnny to leave Boston College and sign with the Flames.
"I had a privilege, front row, watching him go from a young boy, mature into an NHL superstar," Conroy said. "But more importantly, (he) grew into a wonderful man, son, husband, and father."
McDonald praised the Gaudreaus' impact on the community.
"In time, we won't remember how they died, just how they lived," McDonald said. "They were always meant to be legendary. They have inspired thousands not only through their love of the game, but their intention to live every day to their fullest, to love those around them deeply, and to always be humble and kind."
Watch the full Flames remembrance here.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell, captain Boone Jenner, defenseman Erik Gudbranson, and forward Cole Sillinger spoke in Columbus. The team's leadership group spoke to the media earlier Wednesday.
The Blue Jackets held a 13-minute, 21-second moment of silence. Johnny wore No. 13 and Matthew used No. 21 at Boston College, with Johnny keeping the number in the NHL with Calgary and Columbus.
The Blue Jackets' vigil can be watched here.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed last week when a suspected drunken driver struck them while they were riding bikes in New Jersey.
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