The U.S. Men’s Hockey Team secured its first Olympic gold medal since 1980 at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, defeating Team Canada 2-1 in overtime. Following their historic victory, the team paid a profound tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who tragically died in August 2024. Gaudreau, an NHL veteran and projected member of the 2026 Olympic squad, was honored by the team on the ice and through a locker room display, with his family present at the games.
U.S. Secures Historic Gold
The U.S. team achieved a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Team Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal at 1:41 of overtime, delivered in the fast-paced 3-on-3 format. This monumental win marked the first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. Men's Hockey Team since their legendary victory in 1980.
This marked the first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. Men's Hockey Team since 1980.
Team USA Honors Gaudreau's Memory
Following their gold medal triumph, members of Team USA delivered a deeply emotional tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. On the ice, players Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski skated with a Gaudreau USA jersey, and the team collectively carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice.
The team then gathered for a poignant photograph with Gaudreau’s young children, Johnny Jr. and Noa, who were brought onto the ice by Tkachuk and Werenski. Fans at the Milan Olympics reportedly chanted "Johnny Hockey" as a powerful part of the tribute.
Throughout the Olympics, a blue No. 13 Gaudreau jersey, famously representing "Johnny Hockey," was prominently displayed in the U.S. team’s locker room at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. This touching practice had also been observed during the preceding 4 Nations tournament. U.S. captain Auston Matthews stated Gaudreau was continually in the team's thoughts. Dylan Larkin, who had played alongside Gaudreau, noted the jersey symbolized Gaudreau's continued presence with the team. Charlie McAvoy mentioned that players shared stories about Gaudreau, and staff maintained his memory in the locker room, displaying both his No. 13 and Matthew’s No. 21 jerseys. The tradition of displaying Gaudreau's jersey in the locker room is expected to continue for future events.
The Legacy of Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau, aged 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau tragically died on August 29, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The incident occurred on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding. At the time of his death, Johnny Gaudreau was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
An 11-year NHL veteran, Gaudreau played for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, accumulating an impressive 243 goals and 500 assists over 11 seasons. He was a significant presence on the international stage, representing the U.S. in multiple competitions, including:
- A gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championship.
- Five World Championship appearances (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024).
- Participation in the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.
Johnny Gaudreau was highly projected to be on the U.S. team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. USA Hockey had already informed his family of his inclusion on the projected roster, and Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Gaudreau would have been on the Olympic team based on his performance and contributions. This would have been Gaudreau’s first Olympic appearance, as NHL players did not participate in the 2018 or 2022 games.
Family's Heartfelt Gratitude
Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, along with his parents, Jane and Guy Gaudreau, attended the Olympic events in Italy, arriving before the semifinal matchup. The family accepted USA Hockey's invitation to attend, having been encouraged by their daughters.
Meredith Gaudreau expressed profound appreciation for the tribute on social media. Katie Gaudreau, Johnny's sister, publicly thanked the team and emphasized the significance of their gesture, particularly involving Gaudreau's children. Zach Werenski, a former teammate of Gaudreau, noted that Meredith Gaudreau had contacted his wife before their arrival.