CALGARY — It was the type of silence Johnny Gaudreau knew well.
The kind one of his slick setups would induce in opposing rinks around the NHL.
For 13 minutes upwards of 10,000 jersey-clad fans stood at the west stairs of the Saddledome Wednesday night, holding their cell phones aloft with virtual candlelight flickering on the screens.
As they did, the only sounds other than a hovering drone were of those sniffling, or crying.
The sun had just set, the bagpipes had finished and there stood the Sea of Red Eyes looking up at Flames players, staff, alumni and family members who had gathered 22 steps above the crowd.
Flames luminaries like Lanny McDonald, Jarome Iginla, Craig Conroy and their families looked back at the masses, heads bowed in memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Both groups took comfort in the company of one another, as great communities do.
Six days after the crushing news that the two brothers had been killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling on a rural New Jersey road, the Flames held a candlelight vigil to mark 13 days of mourning for the most talented No. 13 of his era.
On this night, as they always do when celebrating their heroes, the Flames did the family proud.
Did the city proud.
If you were there, be proud.
It was a memorable, fitting tribute for a player and his brother this city will never forget.
“To see all of you here, this is what makes me proud to be a Calgarian,” said Conroy, one of four speakers to open the evening.
“And this is what made Johnny so proud of this city.”
The event was born out of the organic display of love, respect and sadness shown by a city that reacted to the tragedy by dropping off flowers, sticks, jerseys, photos, purple Gatorade and Skittles on the steps of the rink Johnny spent nine seasons lifting people out of their seats in.
The memorial, which has since shifted from the stairs to the adjacent hill, continues to grow, as it will for a 13-day period of mourning.
“Johnny didn’t crave the spotlight, but with that big smile and those fast hands he couldn’t outrun his fate — he was a hero,” said McDonald, voice shaking several times with emotion.
“He carried this big hockey town on his small frame.
“Let our chants echo so loudly the boys can hear it in the sky.”
His words were punctuated by one of several impromptu chants of “Johnny, Johnny.”
Outside of those cheers, the entire evening had the feel of a funeral, the likes of which the Flames players will attend Monday in New Jersey.
Mikael Backlund’s turn at the mic proved to be one of the most heart-wrenching, as the Flames captain had trouble starting his speech as he fought back tears.
He eventually was able to reflect on some of the happier times with the diminutive superstar.
“He came into the room quiet and tired every morning, we never knew what pair of sweats he was going to show up in,” said Backlund.
“He loved his Ugg boots and his beanie, no matter how warm it was. Johnny was all about being comfortable.”
Shortly after arriving as a collegiate star, the soft-spoken Gaudreau did indeed find tremendous comfort in a town that embraced him from Day 1.
“I’m going to miss Johnny chirping me about everything,” continued Backlund.
“He would always say, ‘C’mon Backs, talk to the coach and get us a day off.
“‘C’mon Backs, have a beer.’
“’C’mon Backs loosen up, it’s just hockey.’”
Conroy smiled when relaying stories about drafting the 150-pound hopeful, signing him and bringing him back on a flight on which Gaudreau pulled out a big bag of Skittles — the candy his father used to teach him how to skate.
“For the next 25 to 30 minutes he just pounded those Skittles,” smiled Conroy, “and I’m thinking, ‘this is the next superstar of the Calgary Flames? I don’t know about that.’”
He soon knew, as did the rest of the town.
And this place will never forget.
Wrapped up by a slow, country version of Johnny Be Good sung by the Flames’ star anthem singer George Canyon, the vigil was a beautiful reminder of what this city is all about.
Two years after Gaudreau made the agonizing decision to sign in Columbus to be closer to his family, Flames fans chose to cherish, honour and remember the good times brought on by a great person who bought into the community spirit that makes this city so special.
Sure, they were hurt by his departure but they are hurting much more now.
We all are, as an unspeakable tragedy like this goes far beyond the game and the city that bonds us.
“I hope this untimely passing of these young men will force people to stop for a second,” said McDonald, adding a powerful reminder.
“And I pray it leads to people to make different choices in the moment so that no other family will have to endure what the Gaudreaus now face.”
Kudos Calgary, for doing your damnedest to show them they’re not facing it alone.
