The Calgary Flames have announced that they will 'commence the careful removal of all memorial items left by fans to show support for the Gaudreau family with the conclusion of the 13-day dedicatory period,' in front of the Scotiabank Saddledome.
"A wide range of items were placed in remembrance of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, including jerseys, hockey sticks, flowers, purple sports drinks, and Skittles," a news release from the Calgary Flames stated on Monday morning.
According to the organization, several strategies exist for the different mementos left in front of the arena.
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Regarding signs, messages, and chalk, the site was noted to have been precisely photographed, including all chalk drawings, posters, signs, personal letters, and messages.
"The photographs will be provided to the Gaudreau family as an everlasting digital memory book from Flames fans."
Hockey stick benches will be created to raise money for local charities. Plaques identifying the benches’ origins will include "In memory of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau."
"The edible items no longer fit for human consumption will be counted, and the Calgary Flames Foundation will make a proportional financial contribution to the Calgary Food Bank. The plastic beverage containers will be emptied and donated to the KidSport Calgary recycling program. The program turns empties into sports opportunities for local kids in need, the access to sports."
Stuffed toys and toys made of cloth and cotton, such as Teddy Bears, will be donated to Parachutes for Pets, a charity supported by Mikael Backlund and Mackenzie Weegar.
"These will be used for the Lily and Dexter’ Legacy program - a groundbreaking program ensuring children in care can stay with their pets by providing essential support such as leashes, collars, vet care, vaccines, and licensing, created by the Backlund family."
Jerseys will be laundered and used to design blankets donated to local charitable organizations. All organics will be collected and sent to compost. Soil from the flowers will be deposited in the earth at community park(s) around the city. The remaining items will be reviewed following the sorting process.
"The Calgary Flames sincerely appreciate the care and concern demonstrated by Flames fans and the entire community through this difficult period. The outpouring of love and support has been truly comforting."
On August 30, the sports world was shaken by the news of the deaths of former Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau (31) and his younger brother Matthew (29). The brothers were killed in a collision when they were struck by a vehicle as they were on their bicycles in late August in Salem County, New Jersey. It has since been reported that the driver of the car that struck the men was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Calgary Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. His younger brother Matthew played for the Reading Royals of the ECHL (minor professional ice hockey league in New Jersey). Gaudreau spent nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22.
In July 2022, Gaudreau wrote a letter to the city of Calgary and its hockey fans upon the news that he would leave the organization to play with the Columbus Blue Jackets. At the end of his letter, Gaudreau asked fans to remember him as more than a hockey player.
"I hope the people of Calgary can remember me not only as a hockey player but also as a good person with good values. Thank you for supporting me over these years and making my family a part of yours. I feel so grateful to have been brought up in the Calgary Flames Organization. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
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