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The memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of the United States men’s hockey team throughout the Winter Olympics, as the Americans carried his spirit throughout the Games.
Gaudreau’s jersey was a mainstay for Team USA as it paid tribute to the late Columbus Blue Jackets star throughout the Milan Cortina Games. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. They were in town for 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 Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
Since then, Americans have honored Johnny Gaudreau as he was part of several national teams when the United States competed in the world championships. Gaudreau was on track to make the Olympic team when the fatal incident occurred.
The United States won the gold medal on Sunday against Canada. Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk wore Gaudreau’s number 13 jersey on the ice as a final tribute to the hockey player.
Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jay, his widow Meredeth and their eldest children were present. John Jr. and his sister Noa were brought onto the ice for the team photo as the United States celebrated their gold medal. It was also John Jr.’s second birthday.
Dylan Larkin (21) of the United States holds Johnny, the son of late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing 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, February 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
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“He was so 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 made 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 even today.”
His loved ones will now celebrate in his memory, including those who were on the Blue Jackets, including Werenski. Team USA’s Noah Hanifin played with Gaudreau while they were with the Calgary Flames.
American Matthew Tkachuk (19) carries Noa Gaudreau, following a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, February 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
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“It means everything – we all know he should be here with us,” added Dylan Larkin. “He should be with us. We love him and I love that we continue to think about him and I wouldn’t imagine it any other way.”
