In a heartfelt moment following their thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey final, Team USA players skated around the ice holding Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey. The celebration extended beyond the roster as Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Tkachuk brought Gaudreau’s young children, Noa and Johnny Jr., onto the ice for the official team photo.[1][2]
Captain Auston Matthews captured the sentiment, saying, “To be able to get it done like that, to win, to have his jersey out there in the team photo, have his kids come out and be with us, we’re obviously thinking of him.” The gesture underscored Gaudreau’s enduring presence with the team throughout the tournament.
Gaudreau, who tragically passed away at age 31 in August 2024 alongside his brother Matthew in a bicycle accident, had been a strong candidate for this Olympic squad.[3] His commitment to USA Hockey, including attending the prior spring world championships, made the tribute especially poignant.
Honoring a fallen star during the victory lap
The immediate post-game joy turned into a profound tribute as players lifted Gaudreau’s jersey high. This wasn’t a spontaneous act; Team USA had hung the No. 13 in their locker room for every game, a practice started at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Werenski, a former Columbus Blue Jackets teammate of Gaudreau, noted the family’s presence in the stands. “We saw them up there, and we wanted to get the whole family on, but it was kind of hard with the gate, so we figured we’d grab the kids,” he said. Noa, 3, and Johnny Jr., whose second birthday coincided with the final, joined the group photo seamlessly.
Dylan Larkin emphasized the team’s inclusive spirit: “Everyone is included in everything.” He even joked about Gaudreau’s defensive prowess, or lack thereof, drawing smiles amid the emotion.
The NHL.com coverage highlights how players felt Gaudreau’s spirit protecting the net, crediting an otherworldly edge in the tight game.
Gaudreau’s profound legacy with USA Hockey
Johnny Gaudreau was more than a skilled playmaker nearing a point-per-game pace over 763 NHL games. His infectious personality forged deep bonds, especially with Boston College teammates like several on this roster.
Larkin reflected, “Johnny and Matty should be here, and that is the biggest loss that all of us at USA hockey, their family, our family, has gone through.” The brothers’ deaths left a void, yet their influence fueled the gold medal push.
Throughout the Olympics, the jersey served as a daily reminder. As detailed in our tribute to the Gaudreau brothers at the Milan Olympics, the team channeled that energy from opening faceoff to final buzzer.
Gaudreau’s widow Meredith, parents Guy and Jane, watched from the stands, adding layers to the victory.
- Career highlights: Nearly point-per-game scorer; beloved in Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations.
- USA commitment: World championships participant; prime Olympic candidate.
- Personal ties: Close friends with Larkin, Werenski, and others via college and pro circuits.
- Family focus: Kids’ inclusion symbolized extending joy to those grieving.
The gold medal thriller sets the stage for tribute
Team USA’s path culminated in Jack Hughes’ overtime winner and Connor Hellebuyck’s stellar goaltending, clinching America’s first men’s hockey gold since 2010.[4] For context on the buildup, check our preview of the USA-Canada gold medal clash.
The semifinal intensity carried over, with Canada pushing hard but falling short. Players like Matthews and Tkachuk shone, but the emotional undercurrent was Gaudreau.
Post-game, the jersey skate symbolized unity. Larkin quipped, “Ironic on the defensive side, he would’ve never been back there,” lightening the mood while affirming, “We miss him and we love him and we love his family.”
This victory reaffirms USA Hockey’s tight-knit identity.
A tribute that transcends the ice
The Milan moment will linger as a testament to camaraderie in hockey. By including Noa and Johnny Jr., Team USA ensured Gaudreau’s legacy lives through his children and the sport he adored.
Looking ahead, this gold bolsters USA Hockey’s momentum into future internationals, with Gaudreau’s spirit as an enduring guardian. His impact reminds us why the game thrives on heart as much as skill.
As Matthews put it, Gaudreau “was with us in spirit the whole tournament.” That spirit helped deliver gold, forging memories for a family and a nation.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.