Team USA’s men’s hockey team delivered a poignant tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau as they celebrated winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The emotional event unfolded on February 22, 2026, during the thrilling overtime match against Canada, where Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal that clinched victory for the American squad.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Meredith-Gaudreau-US-Olympic-Mens-Hockey-team-022526-e5e007663da345f4a7295278401d4f27.jpg)
In a touching display of solidarity, the team not only celebrated their hard-fought victory but also made a heartfelt gesture for Johnny Gaudreau, who was tragically killed in a car accident in August 2024. His widow, Meredith Gaudreau, expressed her profound gratitude for the team’s thoughtful recognition of her husband during this momentous occasion.
After the match concluded, players Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski brought Gaudreau’s young children—three-year-old Noa and two-year-old Johnny Jr.—onto the ice at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy. The family of the late player joined the team in commemorating the win and honouring Johnny, with Larkin holding up Gaudreau’s iconic No. 13 jersey in a display of solidarity and remembrance.
Meredith Gaudreau described the experience as both overwhelming and heartwarming. Speaking with ABC News Live, she noted how special it was for the team to include her children in the celebrations. “They didn’t have to do that,” she remarked, “I was just very, very proud, and I’m very thankful to them for including my kids in it and just honouring my husband the way they do.”
This was a significant moment not only for the Gaudreau family but for the entire U.S. hockey community, as this victory marked the first Olympic gold for the U.S. men’s hockey team since the historic Miracle on Ice in 1980. Emotions ran high, especially for Johnny’s father, Guy Gaudreau, who was visibly moved as he witnessed the team’s heartfelt tribute.
The family’s presence on the ice was a testament to the strong bonds within the sport, with Meredith explaining to her daughter that they were celebrating the achievement because of her father. “You get to do this because of daddy, and they love and they miss him too,” she conveyed.
Larkin shared a moment with Johnny Jr., who coincidentally celebrated his birthday the same day, while Werenski held a smiling Noa, synchronising joy with remembrance in a scene that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Zach Werenski, who was a former teammate of Gaudreau at the Columbus Blue Jackets, reflected on the emotional weight of the victory. He stated, “It was good emotions. It was happy emotions. It was something John would’ve been at, and to have his jersey out there for all the fans, for all the people to see. We wanted to make him proud.”
Further sentiments were echoed by defenseman Jake Sanderson, who played alongside Gaudreau on the U.S. national team. He expressed the importance of including Gaudreau’s children in the celebrations and highlighted the sentiment of playing for him and his family. “This win is for him and his family,” Sanderson stated.
The poignant tribute not only honoured Johnny Gaudreau’s memory but also highlighted the supportive spirit within the hockey community. The team’s actions showcased a commitment to honour their friend’s legacy while fostering a sense of togetherness among players, families, and fans alike.
As Team USA continues to bask in their historic triumph at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the heartfelt remembrance of Johnny Gaudreau underscores the enduring impact of the athlete, whose legacy remains alive through the love and camaraderie shared on and off the ice.