Meredith Gaudreau, wife of Johnny Gaudreau, thanked the city of Calgary and the Flames for the memorial outside of the Saddledome honouring her late husband.
Gaudreau made an Instagram story post on Monday expressing gratitude to the city and Calgary Flames fans.
“Thank you Calgary,” Gaudreau said in the post. “This is amazing. But I’m not surprised. The best people ever.”
Fans laid flowers an other items at the steps of the arena’s entrance and shared sentiments on the pavement using chalk, with a large No. 13 in the centre, Johnny Gaudreau’s number for the majority of his career.
Gaudreau, often referred to as “Johnny Hockey” by fans, was drafted by the Flames in 2011 and spent eight full seasons in Calgary before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2022 off-season.
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed on Thursday while cycling on a road when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead on the scene.
On Friday, the Flames first paid tribute to Gaudreau with a video on the Saddledome video screen of a shot of him in a Flames uniform with the words: “In loving memory,” his name and “1993-2024.”
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets paid tribute to Johnny outside Nationwide Arena with a video board with the words: “In loving memory. Johnny Gaudreau.”
As in Calgary, people dropped off flowers near the sign. A hockey stick also was dropped off.
The main mural outside the arena features a photo of Gaudreau with his teammates.
Meredith Gaudreau, a resident of Calgary, recently expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the city for the beautiful memorial that has been set up outside the Saddledome. The memorial serves as a tribute to the victims of a tragic event that occurred in the city last year.
Gaudreau, who lost a loved one in the event, visited the memorial to pay her respects and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love from the community. She was moved by the messages of hope and remembrance that adorned the memorial, as well as the flowers and candles that had been left by well-wishers.
In a statement to the media, Gaudreau said, “I am truly touched by the kindness and compassion shown by the people of Calgary. The memorial outside the Saddledome is a beautiful tribute to those we have lost, and it brings me comfort to know that they will always be remembered.”
The memorial outside the Saddledome has become a place of solace and reflection for many in the community, who come to pay their respects and honor the memory of those who were affected by the tragedy. It serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the people of Calgary, who have come together in times of sorrow to support one another.
Gaudreau’s words of gratitude are a testament to the healing power of community and the importance of coming together in times of need. The memorial outside the Saddledome stands as a symbol of unity and remembrance, and serves as a lasting tribute to those who have been lost.
As the city continues to heal and move forward, Gaudreau’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the support and love that surrounds us in times of hardship. The memorial outside the Saddledome will continue to stand as a beacon of hope and remembrance for years to come.