Johnny Gaudreau died on August 29, 2024, but his memory isn’t forgotten. Gaudreau’s family was at Team USA vs. Team Canada‘s final men’s hockey gold medal game on Sunday, February 22, during the 2026 Olympics, and it was an emotional moment for all.
At the game, the United States beat Canada, 2-1, in a riveting overtime win. Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old player for the New Jersey Devils, scored that final goal for the overtime victory. So, Team USA snagged another gold medal on Sunday, and Canada added a silver to its tally.
Gaudreau, a former NHL star, was killed in a bicycle accident with his brother. The two were tragically hit by an alleged drunk driver while riding in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Says Going to the 2026 Winter Olympics Was an Easy Decision
Team USA invited Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of the late NHL player, to be at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Ahead of the game, she said it was a no-brainer decision to accept their offer.
“Quick decision,” Gaudreau said in a video from the NHL. “We thought, ‘We can’t pass this up.’ Once in a lifetime opportunity.”
So, Gaudreau’s entire family was there to watch the win on Sunday. It was a bittersweet moment. His widow commented after the experience, too, saying that it was “fun” to be involved.
“It’s fun to be a part of this,” Meredith said about attending. “We wished we were a part of it, so when we got the call to come out, it felt like maybe [Johnny] did make the team. So, it’s fun here to represent him, and support everyone who’s honoring him, as well.”
Team USA Men’s Hockey Honors Johnny Gaudreau By Pulling His Jersey Onto the Ice After the Win Over Canada
Right after the win, Team USA grabbed Gaudreau’s jersey and took it onto the ice to celebrate the win. Gaudreau’s wife responded with tears, and it was clearly an emotional moment. The team also brought Gaudreau’s kids onto the ice to celebrate.
“Johnny Gaudreau’s sweater hangs in Team USA’s locker room, while his family is in the stands for the gold medal game,” ESPN stated on X. Johnny’s son, Johnny Jr., is celebrating his second birthday today.”
Followers were quick to comment. “Huge congratulations to the players and staff. You showed the world that sport has the power to unite and heal. Johnny would be incredibly proud,” one said. “Heartwarming moment. Celebrating gold while marking Johnny Jr.’s birthday makes it even more special,” another added.
“Happy heavenly birthday to little Johnny Jr. Knowing his dad is watching over him and Team USA today makes this game mean so much more,” another said.
Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said ahead of the game that Gaudreau would have absolutely been on the Olympic team if he were still alive. He would have been a great fit, too.
“He was one of America’s very best,” Sullivan said, according to Fox Sports. “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.”
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