An emotional tribute has been paid to Kelly Dutiaume, the wife of Fife Flyers player-coach Todd, as ice hockey fans, friends and those touched by her passing gathered in her home town.
Around 300 people turned out at the Fife Ice Arena in Kirkcaldy to remember Kelly following her death earlier this week.
Kelly (38) passed away on Monday and also tragically lost the twins she was carrying, just days before she was due to give birth. The tragedy has sparked a wave of sorrow among friends at home and hockey fans from across the globe.
Tributes have continued to flood in in support of Canadian-born Todd, the couple’s three-year-old daughter Olivia, and both Todd and Kelly’s families as those who knew and loved Kelly continue to try come to terms with what has happened.
The Fife Flyers Facebook page has received hundreds of posts by friends and the wider ice hockey community.
Friday’s candlelit vigil gave many people an outlet for their grief, with many coming from far and wide to pay their own respects to Kelly and the twins.
Chinese lanterns were set off in the car park at the ice rink as many people shed tears, while a prayer was said and a short period of reflection was observed.
The event was organised by Flyers fan Tommy Beveridge, who wanted to help bring supporters together at such a difficult time.
“My fiancee and I were talking about what happened and we thought it would be nice for us and a couple of friends to come down, light a few candles and lay some flowers,” he said.
“Never did we think it would take off like it did and people just kept on asking if they could come along and pay their respects.
“Todd’s been here for a long, long time and has been a big part of the Flyers for around 14 years, has given a lot to the Flyers and various charities, so it’s nice to give him a wee something back and show him we’re thinking about him.”
Flyers fans were joined by fans of Elite League rivals Dundee Stars and Braehead Clan, among others, who had travelled especially to show their solidarity with fellow hockey fans.
Hockey fans up and down the UK will also hold minute’s silences in rinks throughout the country this weekend.
Kelly, whose maiden name was Hamilton, was from Kirkcaldy and attended Kirkcaldy High School. She and Todd met through friends over a decade ago, going on to marry in 2005, and were delighted when daughter Olivia was born more than three years ago.
The couple were also thrilled by the news they were expecting twins and were anticipating the births later this month, with Todd’s mum flying over from Canada.
After the tragic events of Monday, Todd described Kelly as a “fantastic mother, wife, daughter and one of the gentlest and kindest individuals you could ever hope to have in your life.”
He added: “At a time which is supposed to be the most joyous of our lives, this tragedy has turned our world upside down.”
The Flyers squad are travelling to play Nottingham Panthers tonight and Panthers general manager Gary Moran admitted it will be a difficult and emotional night for everyone.
“We are planning a tribute before Saturday’s game and I know it will be a tough night for the players of both sides,” he said.
Vigil photos Steve Gunn