Team USA Honors Johnny Gaudreau With Emotional On-Ice Tribute After Olympic Gold

As Team USA celebrated its Olympic gold, Johnny Gaudreau was never far from their thoughts.

After defeating longtime rival Canada to capture gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, Feb. 22, the players made sure the late NHL star was part of the moment. While posing for photos on the ice with their medals, forward Dylan Larkin and defenseman Zach Werenski brought Gaudreau’s children — 3-year-old Noa and 2-year-old Johnny Jr. — into the center of the celebration.

Larkin beamed next to Johnny Jr., who celebrated his second birthday that same day, raising Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey for the cameras. Nearby, Werenski held a smiling Noa as flashes from photographers lit up the ice.

Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, attended the game with their children, joined by his parents, Jane and Guy Gaudreau. After Jack Hughes sealed the victory in overtime for Team USA, Guy was seen overcome with emotion in the stands.

Johnny, who died at 31 alongside his 29-year-old brother Matthew when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver the night before their sister’s wedding in August 2024, had been widely expected to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic roster — a dream he had chased for years.

Werenski, who had been Johnny’s teammate with the Columbus Blue Jackets, said afterward that winning and honoring him at the same time carried deep meaning.

“It was good emotions. It was happy emotions. It was something John would’ve been at, and to have his jersey out there for all the fans, for all the people to see… His family was in the crowd. We brought his kids on the ice for the picture, I mean, it was just incredible. We wanted to make him proud, and I think we did that.”

Defenseman Jake Sanderson, who had also shared the ice with Johnny at the World Championships, echoed that sentiment. “To get his kids on the ice for that team picture, it’s pretty emotional to get his jersey. This win is for him and his family.”

Before the 2026 Winter Games in Milan — where many believed the late NHL star would have suited up for Team USA — his family released a statement reflecting on what the Olympics represented to them and to Johnny’s memory. Competing in the Milano Cortina Games alongside fellow NHL players, they shared, had been “one of his greatest dreams.”

“In that final summer, John was training harder than ever, with his dad, pushing himself to be in the best shape of his life. He was determined to earn his spot on that Olympic roster,” they wrote. “While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games.”

They added: “Though the Olympics will be bittersweet for our family, we find comfort knowing that in the hearts of his teammates, friends, and everyone who loved watching him play, John will be right there. Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride.”