Team USA Honors Johnny Gaudreau with Olympic Gold Medal Victory

Milan, Italy – Team USA secured the gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, defeating Team Canada 2-1 in overtime on February 22, 2026. The victory was deeply emotional for the team, who dedicated their win to the memory of their late teammate, Johnny Gaudreau.

A Tribute to “Johnny Hockey”

Following the overtime win, players Matthew Tkachuk, Zach Werenski, and Auston Matthews carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice in a poignant tribute. Captain Matthews emphasized the profound impact Gaudreau had on the team and stated he was “with us here in spirit the whole tournament.” NHL.com

The team also honored Gaudreau by displaying his jersey in their locker room throughout the tournament, a tradition started at previous competitions, including the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2025 IIHF World Championship where they also won gold. A banner displaying Gaudreau’s No. 13 alongside his brother Matthew’s No. 21 from their time at Boston College was also prominently featured. NHL.com

Gaudreau’s Legacy

John Michael Gaudreau (August 13, 1993 – August 29, 2024) was an American professional ice hockey player who played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known as “Johnny Hockey,” he played for the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Wikipedia He was a seven-time NHL All-Star and a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy. Wikipedia Gaudreau was also recognized for his sportsmanship, winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17. Wikipedia

Tragically, Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a bicycle accident on August 29, 2024, when struck by a car driven by an alleged drunk driver in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Wikipedia Columbus Dispatch

Family Present for Historic Win

Members of Gaudreau’s family, including his widow Meredith and their two young children, Noa (3 years old) and Johnny (2 years old), were present at Santagiulia Arena in Milan to witness the team’s victory and the emotional tribute to their father. Columbus Dispatch After the medal ceremony, the team invited the family to join them for a photo with the gold medal-winning team. Columbus Dispatch

Team USA’s victory serves as a powerful testament to Gaudreau’s enduring legacy and the impact he had on his teammates and the sport of ice hockey. Olympics.com