Makeshift memorial for Johnny Gaudreau continues to grow, attract visitors in Calgary

In the days following the tragic news of star hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matt's deaths in a bicycle accident, a growing memorial has emerged outside the Scotiabank Saddledome, where Gaudreau played as a forward for the Calgary Flames.

The tribute outside Calgary’s NHL arena features jerseys, flowers, and a vast expanse of concrete covered in messages written in chalk, honoring the 31-year-old athlete.

Whitney Mandel, one of many paying their respects, made a two-hour drive from Duchess, Alta., to visit the memorial on Sunday.

"We had to come and say goodbye to Johnny," she said. "He defined my 20s—watching him play hockey."

Gaudreau, who had a stellar college hockey career, spent over eight seasons with the Flames, becoming a fan favorite. In 2022, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, choosing to be closer to his family in New Jersey.

Jacqueline Cornett, who was also at the Saddledome memorial, emphasized the importance of coming together to grieve. "It’s a lot, but it’s really important to come down and grieve together," she said.

Nick Haddow, reflecting on the many chalk tributes, described the scene as "surreal" and "powerful."

Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, who is also the mother of their children, shared her gratitude for the memorial on social media.

"Thank you, Calgary," she wrote. "This is amazing. But I’m not surprised. The best people ever."

The Gaudreau brothers were struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles in New Jersey on Thursday night. Police believe the driver was impaired. The accident happened just a day before the brothers were to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.

Tributes have poured in from the hockey community and beyond. At a Labour Day CFL game between the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks, the Stampeders held a 13-second moment of silence at McMahon Stadium in honor of the Gaudreau brothers—Johnny had worn the No. 13 jersey for much of his NHL career.

Fans at the game shared fond memories of watching Johnny Gaudreau, who scored 776 points in 805 regular-season NHL games.

"He brought us hope and energy," said Rob Coppens. "Seeing him score that first goal in his debut game was incredible."

Many Stampeders players arrived at the stadium wearing No. 13 shirts or jerseys as a tribute.

Craig Conroy, the Flames' general manager, penned a heartfelt message about the Gaudreau brothers, which was posted on the team’s website on Saturday.

"I had the privilege to watch Johnny grow into an NHL star and, more importantly, a wonderful man, son, husband, and father," Conroy wrote. "There isn’t a magic spell that will make us all feel better. But the love we continue to share with the Gaudreaus will help in their healing process."

On Monday, the Flames shared an aerial photo of the Saddledome memorial on social media with a one-word caption: “speechless.”