The family of the late Johnny Gaudreau was in Milan for Team USA’s 2-1 gold medal win over Canada, and the team paid tribute to his memory after the game.
Gaudreau died in 2024 after he and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey, stunning the hockey world and causing a flood of tributes to their memory.
Gaudreau would have likely been a strong contender to make the Team USA hockey roster with the NHL returning to the 2026 Olympics, and the team never forgot him throughout their run in Milan, keeping his No. 13 jersey hanging in their locker room during games.
After Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal to give the U.S. their first gold medal in 46 years in men’s hockey, the team immediately paid tribute to their fallen friend.
Several players, including Auston Matthews, skated around the ice holding American flags and Gaudreau’s jersey, receiving a warm ovation from the crowd.
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Auston Matthews (34) of the United States, Zach Werenski (8) of the United States and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Gaudreau’s family was in the stands in Milan for the game, and the players made sure they were included in the postgame celebrations, bringing two of Gaudreau’s children onto the ice for the ceremonial team picture after the medal ceremony concluded.
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were cycling on a road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on Aug. 29, 2024 when a man driving an SUV attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind.
Both of the brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. It was later revealed that Johnny’s wife Meredith was pregnant at the time of his death.
The driver of the vehicle is still facing criminal charges, and pleaded not guilty in the case.
NHL teams paid tribute to Gaudreau throughout the season, and Team USA continued to do so in the lead-up to Sunday’s gold medal game in Milan.
