Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames to host candlelight vigils in memory of Gaudreau brothers

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames are the two teams Johnny Gaudreau played for before he and his brother were tragically hit and killed by a drunk driver. The two teams are reportedly set to host a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of the NHL winger and his brother, Matthew, who played in the ECHL and AHL.

The Blue Jackets were the team the hockey player was under contract with when he was killed. Their vigil will be held today (Sept. 4) at 7:30 pm at the Front Street Plaza outside the entrance to Nationwide Arena. Fans are invited to come out and mourn the loss.

The Flames, the team Gaudreau spent most of his career with, are going to have a vigil at 8 pm MT. They will host fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome west entrance.

The two brothers were riding bicycles near their family home in New Jersey when the driver tried to pass two vehicles, going into the bike lane and hitting both of the riders. They died from their injuries. They were slated to be at their sister’s wedding the next day in Philadelphia. The driver has been charged.

Cole Caufield announces jersey change to honor Gaudreau brothers

Calgary Flames star Cole Caufield used to wear No. 13 on his uniform because he was such a big fan of Johnny Gaudreau. The No. 13 jersey for the Flames wasn’t in use, and Caufield is going to start using it now to honor the fallen hockey star.

“I wore #13 at a point in my career because of Johnny and now I will be wearing it again to honor him. He paved the way for smaller players and proved we had a future in this game at the highest level. I will forever be grateful to him for inspiring me and others,” he said.

Johnny Hockey, as he was called, was an iconic player for the Flames, and his loss will be felt greatly throughout that team and its fan base. Caufield is going to honor him this season by playing in the uniform that he made famous.