Memorial grows on Saddledome grounds as Calgary Flames plan to honour John and Matty Gaudreau on Wednesday

Calgary Flames fans have been visiting the Saddledome daily since the tragic news of the death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew late last week. 

The result has been a growing makeshift memorial that has occupied a massive chunk of the west entrance of the arena. To open half the staircase, the Flames moved a sizeable portion of the tribute items to a grassy hill beside the entryway. 

On Wednesday, the gathering will be more organized, with the Flames franchise putting together a candlelight vigil at the memorial site. Speakers from the Flames organization will address the crowd in Calgary starting at 8 p.m. MT. 

In Columbus, where Johnny Gaudreau played the past two NHL seasons, another vigil is taking place at 7:30 p.m. ET. As it has in Calgary, a memorial full of flowers and memorabilia has been building at Nationwide Arena where the Blue Jackets play.

The Gaudreau brothers were killed when hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey last Thursday night. The cities of Calgary and Columbus have been grieving in the days since the news came Friday morning. 

The hockey and sporting world has rallied in its sorrow, sharing stories about the Gaudreau brothers, donating to a go-fund-me started to support Matthew's wife and the baby they are expecting, and expressing their adoration for the Gaudreau family that has been devastated by this tragedy.

The vigils in both of Johnny Gaudreau's NHL cities is just one more step in the grieving process for the fans but you can bet the families are feeling the love being directed their way.