Craig Conroy, Mikael Backlund deliver teary speeches in front of thousands of Flames fans at Saddledome steps

By the time the 13 minutes of silence came, the crowd had plenty to ponder thanks to Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund and GM Craig Conroy.

The two longtime Flames personalities had many of the thousands watching in person, at home or from the road in tears of both laughter and sorrow. 

It was a heavy scene, but through sniffles both delivered comedic snippets of the fun-loving Flames superstar they watched grow from tiny prospect to fan favourite to family man. 

Conroy shared a glimpse of Gaudreau's passion for candy. After professing he was starving ahead of the flight to Calgary after signing his deal, Gaudreau put his sub away after a couple of bites but dove into a big bag of Skittles. 

“For the next 25, 30 minutes, he just pounded those Skittles,” Conroy told the thousands in the crowd. "I’m thinking, ‘this is the next superstar of the Calgary Flames? I don’t know.’”

It wasn't Gaudreau's dedication to fitness and health that made him special. It was his child-like passion for the game that drove him and made him a smashing success in the NHL. It's also what made him a great father later — he loved life and family inside and outside of the rink. 

Rarely the loudest in the room, Gaudreau quietly entertained his teammates. Backlund recalled John's daily attire and desire for more time off. 

“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.”

Gaudreau appeared comfortable with Calgary immediately. He scored in his first NHL game in Vancouver and quickly transitioned into a star the following season. 

He was also comfortable teasing Backlund — a near polar opposite who loved fashion and practice. Gaudreau, like a little brother, would ask the veteran to talk to the coach for an extra day off, to loosen up and have a beer, or take things a little less seriously and enjoy the ride as he did. 

A kid at heart to the end, which is part of what made him such a popular teammate everywhere he went. 

The makeshift memorials in both Columbus and Calgary continue to grow. At the Saddledome, it will remain for a 13-day mourning period before being removed. There's no telling how crowded it will be by then.

"This is an amazing turnout for Johnny and Matthew, but I'm not surprised,” Conroy said as he started to address the crowd at the vigil. “To see all of you here, this is what makes me proud to be a Calgarian, and this is what made Johnny so proud of this city."

In Columbus, former Calgary Flames teammate Erik Gudbranson, captain Boone Jenner and young forward Cole Sillinger all spoke. 

Flames legend Lanny McDonald joined Backlund and Conroy with rousing talks ahead of the 13 minutes of silence ended by a special rendition of Johnny B. Goode by country music artist George Canyon — the Flames's anthem singer.