Calgary Flames host vigil to mourn Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

The C of Red came out Wednesday night in a way Calgary perhaps has never seen before, in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

Thousands of fans joined the Flames in a poignant candlelight vigil, vowing to keep the brothers' memory and legacy living on. 

On the steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome, with the ever-growing memorial for the brothers around them, Flames past and present shared memories and thoughts.

The event was also livestreamed to fans and supporters who couldn't attend in person.

"Time doesn't heal all wounds. There's no amount of time that could erase the deep scars of losing these boys at the peak of their lives," said Lanny McDonald.

"But time may offer us perspective, and I hope with time, you can come to this conclusion: Johnny and Matthew are leaving a legacy greater than they could have ever imagined, farther-reaching than just hockey."

McDonald said the colour of the jersey didn't matter, the Gaudreaus were always humble and full of kindness.

"In time, we won't remember how they died, just how they lived. They were always meant to be legendary," he said.

Mikael Backlund, fighting back tears, called Johnny "a great teammate and friend."

He spoke of watching him grow from a college boy to a man, and from a rookie to a superstar.

He likewise spoke of Johnny being humble and kind.

"Johnny always had a smile on his face, on and off the ice. I'm going to miss that smile," he said.

Johnny and Matthew were fatally struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles in New Jersey last week.

A steady stream of hockey fans have been coming to the Saddledome since Thursday, leaving flowers, balloons, jerseys, purple Gatorade and Skittles in their honour.

The C of Red came out Wednesday night in a way Calgary perhaps has never seen before, in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

Digital "candles" were used for the vigil, available to attendees through the Calgary Flames app.

Flames general manager Craig Conroy spoke of his relationship with Johnny going far beyond the Saddledome.

"We had a bond that extended to his family that I will cherish forever," he said.

Conroy said the outpouring of support from Calgarians, in the building of the memorial and on Wednesday night, has been "amazing but not surprising."

And to the brothers' family, Conroy said it doesn't stop there.

"Calgary will continue to be here for you and will always welcome you with open arms and hearts," he said. 

The C of Red came out Wednesday night in a way Calgary perhaps has never seen before, in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.