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The memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of Team USA men’s hockey during the Winter Olympics, as Americans carried his spirit throughout the Games.
Gaudreau’s jersey was a mainstay for Team USA as they honored the late Columbus Blue Jackets star during the Cortina Games in Milan. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. They were in town to attend their sister’s wedding.
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Auston Matthews (34) of the United States, Zach Werenski (8) of the United States and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States hold up John Gaudreau’s jersey after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Image Images)
Since then, Americans have honored Johnny Gaudreau, as he was on several national teams when the United States played in the world championship. Gaudreau was on track to make the Olympic team when the deadly incident occurred.
The United States won the gold medal on Sunday over Canada. Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey across the ice as a final tribute to the hockey player.
In attendance were Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jay, his widow Meredeth, and their grown children. John Jr. and his sister Noa were taken to the ice for the team photo as the United States celebrated winning gold. It was also John Jr.’s second birthday.
Dylan Larkin (21) of the United States holds Johnny, the son of late player Johnny Gaudreau, as he poses with teammates after a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
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“He was very near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said. “We did it for him.”
Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said before the gold medal game that Gaudreau would have been on the Olympic team if he were still alive.
“He was one of the best in America,” Sullivan said. “He’s just a good person on and off the ice, and I think he’s an inspiration to our players to this day.”
Those closest to him will now celebrate in his memory, including those who were on the Blue Jackets, including Werenski. Noah Hanifin of Team USA played with Gaudreau while they were with the Calgary Flames.
American Matthew Tkachuk (19) charges Noa Gaudreau after a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
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“It means everything – we all know he should be here with us,” Dylan Larkin added. “He should be with us. We love him and I like that we continue to think about him and I wouldn’t imagine it any other way.”
