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Team USA Honors Johnny Gaudreau in Emotional Win
23 Feb
Summary
- Team USA celebrated a historic gold medal victory.
- Late hockey star Johnny Gaudreau was honored post-game.
- His children joined the team for a commemorative photo.

Team USA achieved a historic gold medal victory, but the post-game ceremony provided the night's most poignant moment. Captain Auston Matthews, alongside teammates Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk, carried the No. 13 jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau onto the ice. Gaudreau's children, Noa and Johnny Jr., later joined the team for a memorable photograph.
Matthews emphasized Gaudreau's pervasive presence throughout the tournament, stating that the gold medal win, dedicated to their fallen teammate, added a layer of sweetness to the achievement. The article notes Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in 2024 at age 31, had a remarkable career, averaging nearly a point per game over 763 NHL games. He and his brother died tragically in 2024 after being struck by an SUV while cycling.
This act of remembrance continued a practice that began during the 4 Nations Face-Off and persisted through the Olympic tournament, with Gaudreau's jersey prominently displayed in the locker room before each game. Player Dylan Larkin commented that it was fitting for Gaudreau's children to be present, underscoring that the loss extended beyond the rink to the entire USA Hockey community.




