Team USA Honors Gaudreau Brothers With Olympic Gold Win

After Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture Olympic gold, captain Auston Matthews carried something precious across the ice alongside the American flag: the Team USA jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau.

Johnny "Hockey" Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died in August 2024 after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles home from their sister's rehearsal dinner. The beloved NHL star left behind two young children, 3-year-old Noa and Johnny Jr., who turned 2 on the day of the gold medal game.

Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin, close friends of Johnny's, planned the tribute before the final game in Milan. They wanted the Gaudreau family front and center if Team USA won.

"I honestly felt Johnny's presence the whole tournament," said Werenski, who played alongside Johnny in Columbus. "I feel like he's following us, and he's got our back."

After the medals ceremony, Werenski and Larkin brought Noa and Johnny Jr. onto the ice for the team photo, with the children sitting on their laps. The team had kept Johnny's jersey hanging in their locker room throughout the tournament, just as they had done at the 4 Nations competition.

The tribute felt especially meaningful given how the game unfolded. Canada outshot the United States dramatically and missed multiple scoring chances, including an empty net opportunity in the final minutes. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck made save after spectacular save.

"I think part of the puck not going in our net was somehow Johnny standing there doing something, laughing with Matty," Larkin said with a smile. "Ironic, because it's on the defensive side and he would never have been back there."

Why This Inspires

This moment transcended sports. Defenseman Brock Faber's eyes filled with tears watching Noa and Johnny Jr. become part of the celebration. "Just shows the lasting impact he'll forever have on this team," Faber said. "His legacy will live on."

The Gaudreau family traveled from the United States to Milan to support the team, turning what could have been an unbearably difficult anniversary into a moment of connection and remembrance. Johnny had represented Team USA multiple times in international competition, and his presence was woven into every aspect of this tournament.

Matthews captured the feeling perfectly: "We're obviously thinking of him. The impact he's had on so many guys in this room is special. He was with us in spirit the whole tournament."

Two young children sat on the ice surrounded by gold medal winners, their father's memory honored not just with words but with the ultimate achievement in hockey.