Okotoks was a sea of red on Aug. 30 in honour of former Flame Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died the day before in a collision caused by a suspected drunk driver.
Gaudreau, 31, played with the Calgary Flames for nine years (2013-2022) during the course of his 11 seasons in the National Hockey League.
Okotokian Jeff Schaller — longtime Flames fan and former Harvey the Hound mascot performer — was on the verge of tears as he discussed the tragic deaths of Johnny and his brother Matthew, 29.
"We lost a great guy. He was Johnny Hockey" said Schaller, clad in Gaudreau's signature No. 13 jersey. "The American who made a difference to so many Canadians. He bring us all a lot of joy, he scored a lot of good goals for us."
Gaudreau, who made seven NHL All-Star Game appearances, ended his tenure with the Flames with 609 points, 209 goals and 399 assists.
"The highlight of my life as a Flames fan was when he was with us," said Schaller.
Schaller shared several of the interactions he had with Gaudreau, who he described along with Matthew Tkachuk as among the kindest and most humble players he'd encountered while working at the Scotiabank Saddledome during games.
"Always the nicest guy," said Schaller of Gaudreau, who in 2017 won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most gentlemanly and sportsmanlike player. "Always had time for autographs when he'd pull in with his Jeep. He'd always stop for fans."
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
Schaller believes the deaths of Johnny and Matthew, both of whom were struck by a vehicle while cycling, should raise awareness on the dangers of the road.
"Just thinking about his family, and his kids, his young children, and his mom and dad... all they've went through to make him such a great hockey player, and now it's taken away by a drunken driver."
A 43-year-old driver is currently in New Jersey State Police custody and faces two counts of death by auto.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages and love and support," wrote Jim Gaudreau, uncle of Johnny and Matthew, in a statement on Aug. 30. "We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued privacy during this very difficult period of grief."
Schaller hopes to see a ceremony held in Calgary to honour Gaudreau's legacy as a Flame.
"People getting together, laying flowers around at the Saddledome, I think that'd be good," he said. "I'd hope that they raise this jersey to the rafters."
