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During the entirety of the Milano-Cortina Olympics, Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 sweater remained suspended within the U.S. locker room. Following the American squad’s overtime triumph against Canada, securing the nation’s inaugural men’s ice hockey gold medal at the Games since 1980, Dylan Larkin and Matthew Tkachuk transported it across the rink.
Subsequently, the homage paid to the deceased athlete, recognized as “Johnny Hockey,” extended beyond that.
The two eldest among Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s trio of children were present, accompanied by their grandparents, Guy and Jane, and were included in the festivities. Larkin and Werenski escorted 3-year-old Noa and 2-year-old Johnny Jr. onto the ice for the team photograph, which also prominently featured Gaudreau’s jersey. Every single player expressed the sentiment that he ought to have been there with them.
“It signified immense importance,” stated Werenski, who contributed an assist to Jack Hughes’s decisive overtime goal, clinching a 2-1 win. “This is an event John would have attended. Witnessing his family provide their support and seeing his children, taking them onto the ice, we discussed competing in his honor, striving to make him proud, and I believe we accomplished that. It was incredibly touching to see them and have the children on the ice; he held a significant role in USA Hockey.”
Johnny and his sibling, Matthew, passed away in August 2024 after being hit by a sport utility vehicle while cycling close to their native town in New Jersey, just before their sister Katie’s matrimonial ceremony.
In homage to the departed Johnny Gaudreau, the United States squad carried his number thirteen jersey around the ice after securing Olympic gold at Milano Cortina 2026.
“His presence is felt among us spiritually throughout the entire competition,” stated team captain Auston Matthews. “Having his uniform included in the team photograph and witnessing his children join us, it’s clear our thoughts are with him.”
‘He undoubtedly belonged on this squad’
“He absolutely would have been a member of this team, playing a significant role,” forward J.T. Miller commented. “Someone I played with and against while growing up and knew quite well. At that juncture, it transcends hockey. … He merited a better fate, and he profoundly influenced the events of today.”
Larkin, who also shared a close bond with Gaudreau, consecrated what marks only the third U.S. men’s hockey gold medal ever to Gaudreau and to Jim Johannson, a past USA Hockey executive who passed away suddenly right before the 2018 Olympics.
“This accomplishment is for the individuals who sported this uniform prior to us,” Larkin declared. “All those individuals ought to be present. Johnny in particular, and his brother Matty. Achieving this today is simply an incredible sensation.”
The United States’ Jack Hughes secures a goal for a 2-1 overtime triumph against Canada in the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal contest.
