Flames pays heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau

A quiet and empty Saddledome displayed a tribute to former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau on the scoreboard above center ice on Friday morning.

The Flames shared a video showing Gaudreau in his Flames uniform with the words "In loving memory," his name, and "1993-2024."

Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew died in New Jersey on Thursday when they were hit by a car while riding their bikes. The driver has been charged with driving under the influence and two counts of death by auto.

Fans left items outside the Saddledome to remember Gaudreau, including Skittles and purple Gatorade, as shared by Julian McKenzie of The Athletic and Danny Austin of the Calgary Sun.

Gaudreau's dad used to teach him to skate by spreading Skittles on the ice, and Johnny had a signature purple Gatorade goal celebration in Calgary.

The Calgary Tower announced it would be lit in Flames colors on Friday to honor Johnny and Matthew.

In Columbus, outside Nationwide Arena, a video board displayed the words "In loving memory. Johnny Gaudreau."

Adam King of 10TV showed footage of people leaving flowers near the sign, along with a hockey stick.

Hockey fans in other cities also paid their respects. In Toronto, a fan left flowers outside Scotiabank Arena.