MILAN, Italy – The United States men’s hockey team secured its first Olympic gold medal in 46 years on Sunday, defeating rival Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Milano Cortina Games. The victory was immediately followed by a deeply emotional tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, a star forward who tragically died in a cycling accident in August 2024.
As Jack Hughes scored the golden goal, sending the American bench into a frenzy, players swiftly retrieved Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey and paraded it around the ice in celebration. The gesture, witnessed by Gaudreau’s family who were in attendance, encapsulated the team’s dedication to playing for their fallen teammate throughout the tournament.
“It means everything – we all know he should be here with us,” Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin said prior to the gold medal game, reflecting the sentiment felt throughout the team. “He should be with us. We love him, and I like that we continue to think about him and I wouldn’t imagine it any other way.”
The tribute extended beyond the on-ice celebration. Throughout the tournament, Gaudreau’s jersey hung in the team’s locker room, serving as a constant reminder of his presence and inspiration. Following the medal ceremony, the team included Gaudreau’s young children, Noa and Johnny Jr., in their celebratory team photo, further solidifying his place as part of the championship squad.
The outpouring of emotion wasn’t confined to the arena. Cheers of “Johnny Hockey” echoed throughout the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a testament to the profound impact Gaudreau had on the sport and its fans.
Gaudreau, a seven-time NHL All-Star who most recently played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was widely considered a lock for the U.S. Olympic team before his untimely death alongside his brother, Matthew, when struck by a drunk driver in New Jersey. Matthew Gaudreau was also a professional hockey player, having competed in the AHL and ECHL before transitioning to coaching.
Known for his exceptional skill and sportsmanship – he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017 – Gaudreau was the all-time leading U.S. Scorer in international play. His absence was keenly felt, but the team channeled their grief into a determined pursuit of gold.
The Blue Jackets, and previously the Calgary Flames, had held vigils in honor of Gaudreau following his death, and the team continued to honor his legacy throughout the Olympics. His father, Guy Gaudreau, expressed the sentiment of the family, stating, “He wanted to be on this team. And it would’ve been nice if he’d been here.”
The Gaudreau family’s presence in Milan was particularly meaningful. Jane Gaudreau, Johnny’s mother, explained that their daughters had urged them to attend, believing it was what their sons would have wanted. “It just means so much to our family, and we’re so excited to remember what our boys meant to hockey,” she said.
Team USA captain Auston Matthews, along with Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk, led the on-ice tribute, holding Gaudreau’s jersey aloft as they celebrated the historic victory. Werenski, who played alongside Gaudreau in Columbus, emphasized the team’s commitment to making him proud.
“I honestly felt (Johnny’s presence) the whole tournament. Felt he was here,” Werenski said. “I felt that feeling a lot in Columbus, and I felt it at the world stage, World Championships last year, now here at the Olympics. I feel like that he’s following us, and he’s got our back.”
The gold medal win marked only the third time the U.S. Men’s hockey team has reached the pinnacle of Olympic success, following victories in 1960 and the famed “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. Coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged Gaudreau’s lasting influence on the team, stating, “He was one of America’s very best. He’s just a good person on the ice and off the ice, and I think he’s an inspiration to our players to this very day.”
The victory serves as a poignant reminder of Gaudreau’s enduring legacy, a legacy that extends far beyond his on-ice accomplishments and now includes a gold medal earned in his honor.
