Fans’ Johnny Gaudreau memorial leaves NHL’s Flames ‘speechless’

Calgary was where Gaudreau, 31, spent the first nine years of his NHL career after being drafted by the team in 2011, beginning his pro days in 2014 after winning a national championship and Hobey Baker Award at Boston College.

He became a fan favorite while with the Flames, scoring 210 goals and 609 points in 602 games.

Gaudreau left town before the 2022-23 season to join the Columbus Blue Jackets on a seven-year deal, but his impact in Calgary remains.

“Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss,” the Flames wrote in a statement last week. “Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. “He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community.”

Gaudreau died last Thursday, along with his brother, Matthew, 29, while they were biking on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, around 8 pm when they were hit from behind.

They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The brothers were in town for their sister’s wedding, which has since been canceled.

“To know these two was to love these two,” Katie Gaudreau wrote Monday on Instagram, including a photo of their family. “There are absolutely no words I have to express the bond my family shared.

“The entire world knows there would never have been a John without Matty or Matty without John. The absolute best big brothers a little girl could have asked for.

“This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both. I’ll take the best care of mom, dad, Kristen, Mer, and Madeline, your babies.”