Team USA honored Johnny Gaudreau following their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada on Feb. 22 to win Olympic gold. The tribute saw the three Team USA captains skating with Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey after the win and his children joining the team for the gold medal photograph. Gaudreau, who died in August 2024, had been a key figure in USA Hockey’s international program.
Johnny Gaudreau died on Aug. 29, 2024, at age 31. He and his brother Matthew were struck by a vehicle while cycling near their home in Salem County, New Jersey, the night before their sister’s wedding. The driver Sean Higgins was allegedly operating under the influence.
The Columbus Blue Jackets winger had built an exceptional 11-year NHL career spanning 763 games. He recorded 243 goals and 500 assists for 743 points maintaining a near point-per-game pace throughout his time with the Calgary Flames and Blue Jackets. His best season came in 2021-22 when he tallied 115 points, the third-most ever by a U.S.-born player in a single season.
Gaudreau’s impact extended far beyond statistics. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound forward became a seven-time All-Star and won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2017 for sportsmanship and skill. Before turning pro, he dominated at Boston College winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as college hockey’s best player and helping the Eagles capture the 2012 NCAA championship.
Gaudreau won gold at the 2013 World Junior Championship, leading the tournament with seven goals and added a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championship. By the 2024 World Championship, he had accumulated 43 points in 40 games, the most in USA men’s IIHF history.
Team USA Paid Emotional Tribute to the Late Johnny Gaudreau
The tribute on Sunday included several components planned by Team USA. Captain Auston Matthews, along with Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk, carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey during the celebration.
Afterwards, Dylan Larkin and Werenski then brought Gaudreau’s children Noa and Johnny Jr. onto the ice for the team photograph.
Matthews said the win and having Gaudreau’s jersey in the team photo meant everything noting Gaudreau’s impact on many players in the room.
“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. Just felt like the impact that he’s had on so many guys in this room is special. He was with us in spirit the whole tournament,” Matthews said.
Dylan Larkin mentioned that Gaudreau and Matthew should have been present for the celebration. He described their deaths as the biggest loss experienced by USA Hockey and their families. Larkin added that having Gaudreau’s children on the ice felt appropriate for the occasion.
“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. And to have Johnny Jr. and Noa out there, it just felt right. And I think part of those, the puck not going in our net, was somehow him standing there doing something, laughing with Matty,” he said.
Coach Mike Sullivan earlier described Gaudreau as one of America’s best players, both on and off the ice. Sullivan said Gaudreau continues to serve as an inspiration to current players.
Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife Meredith and their three children including son Carter Michael born in April 2025.
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