Team USA hockey players dedicated their recent Olympic gold medal victory to the memory of former teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died in a car accident in 2024. The team’s heartfelt tributes extended beyond the ice, bringing Gaudreau’s family into the celebration in a deeply moving gesture.
A Beloved Player Remembered
Johnny Gaudreau, known affectionately as “Johnny Hockey,” played 11 seasons in the NHL for Calgary and Columbus before his death. The outpouring of grief from the hockey community underscored his popularity as a player and person, and his expected inclusion in the 2026 Olympic team made his absence particularly poignant. The U.S. team kept Gaudreau’s memory alive throughout the Games by displaying his jersey in the locker room.
Victory Dedicated to Gaudreau
After Jack Hughes scored the overtime goal to win gold against Canada, the team incorporated Gaudreau into their celebration. Players Auston Matthews, Dylan Larkin, and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Team USA Gaudreau jersey while fans chanted his nickname. The team then brought Gaudreau’s children, Johnny Jr. and Noa, onto the ice for the medal ceremony photos, a gesture described by Zach Werenski as a way to include the whole family.
Emotional Impact
Players spoke about Gaudreau’s presence in spirit, with Matthews noting that the win felt like it was “for him.” Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, shared photos of the tribute on Instagram, including a video of the players bringing her children onto the ice. She wrote that the gesture “means everything” and that Gaudreau would have appreciated it.
A Special Birthday
The timing of the tribute was particularly meaningful, as Sunday was Johnny Jr.’s second birthday. Gaudreau’s sister, Katie, emphasized the team’s dedication, stating that their actions fulfilled Gaudreau’s wish for his children to experience such moments.
The victory served as a powerful reminder of Gaudreau’s legacy, not just as a hockey player but as a father and beloved figure whose memory continues to inspire.
The emotional weight of the win underscored how sports can transcend competition, becoming a vehicle for remembrance and unity in the face of tragedy. The U.S. team’s actions were not merely symbolic, but a genuine expression of loss, respect, and a shared desire to honor a life cut short.
