On Friday morning the news that 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets and former Calgary Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau had tragically passed away stunned the hockey world.
The tragedy also took the life of his brother Matthew, 29, when the two of them were hit by a vehicle in New Jersey on Thursday night while they were biking along a highway.
What started as unconfirmed reports online that an alleged drunk driver had collided with the two brothers was all but confirmed on Friday morning.
Gaudreau, also known as Johnny Hockey, stole the hearts of many Albertans after spending eight seasons with the Calgary Flames beginning in 2014 before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2022-23 campaign.
Johnny Hockey was electrifying in his own way.
He was quick, shifty, and often left fans in awe as he danced around defenders regularly on his way to the net.
Through his play, including 609 points in a Flames uniform (fifth all-time in franchise history), he helped grow the Flames into a contender and in doing that, became a fan favourite in Calgary.
He was a hero.
"I didn't even believe the news when I heard it this morning," said Rebels defenceman Luke Vlooswyk.
"Gaudreau was a childhood hero of mine. I had a jersey signed by him that I wore to every Flames game that I went to and I had it hanging in my room. It's such tragic news and I have nothing but prayers for the Gaudreau family."
Vlooswyk had met Gaudreau during a charity golf tournament in Calgary through his mother Lisa who is a professional golfer based in southern Alberta. He described it as a dream come true.
"He was such a nice, humble, and kind individual. He took the time to sign my jersey and say hit to me. He was just a first-class man."
Johnny Hockey was also an inspiration to many young Flames fans who were smaller in stature, just like him.
With doubts that he'd ever play a shift in the National Hockey League because of his size, he quickly proved people wrong and became one of the league's best players.
"He really set the tone for smaller guys," said Rebels forward Talon Brigley.
"I know a lot of guys who are a little smaller looked up to him and obviously I'm not the biggest guy in the world. Looking at those smaller guys like him and Brayden Point watching them go to the NHL and how well they played from the start you always want to critique your game after those guys.
"I watched him growing up and being from this area you hear about him all the time. It was really hard to hear that this morning."
Brigley, who grew up in Sylvan Lake, is the son of former Calgary Flame Travis Brigley. His father suited up for the Flames in 19 games from 1997 to 2000 but spent most of the time playing for their AHL affiliate.
"Growing up in Central Alberta I think every kid grows up cheering for the Oilers and the Flames. You grow up going to games and I always did with my dad who was a member of the Flames before I was born. He would always take us to games and seeing that this morning was really hard to see. It's horrible to see and I'm just thinking about his family."
Rebels veteran forward Jhett Larson explained that Gaudreau was a player he took inspiration from, especially as a smaller player on the ice.
"I used to watch a lot of him and I think it's really sad about him and his brother," he said. "His skating was the biggest thing that I noticed. The way he moved his feet and I think I play a bit of a different game. He was way more skilled than I probably ever will be."
Gaudreau was also more than a hockey player but was a son, brother, uncle, father, and friend. He is survived by his wife Meredith and his two children Noa, and Johnny.
