U.S. Olympic Hockey Team Honors Late Johnny Gaudreau at Milan Cortina Games

By Emmanuel Bobby

The U.S. men’s ice hockey team is competing for more than just a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, as players honor the memory of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau.

Inside the team’s locker room at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a jersey with the number 13 hangs in tribute to Gaudreau, who died alongside his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, in a tragic accident involving an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. The brothers were killed the night before their sister’s wedding, sending shock waves through the hockey world and prompting tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans across the NHL.

Gaudreau, 31, played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames and represented Team USA in six international tournaments, including five IIHF Men’s World Championships. He recorded 43 points in 40 games, the most in U.S. men’s IIHF history, and was considered a strong contender for the Olympic roster.

Ahead of the Olympic tournament, the Gaudreau family released a statement expressing their heartbreak that Johnny could not fulfill his Olympic dream. They recalled how intensely he trained in his final summer, determined to earn a spot on the team.

“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,” the family said, adding, “Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride.”

Gaudreau’s teammates echoed those sentiments. Alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk said the tribute jersey serves as a constant reminder of Gaudreau’s presence and support. Defenseman Zach Werenski, who played with Gaudreau in Columbus and with Team USA in the 2024 World Championship, said the team is playing to honor his legacy.

“It’s super special to see his jersey hanging, and we’re playing for him and trying to make him proud,” Werenski said.

Head coach Mike Sullivan also reflected on Gaudreau’s impact, noting that the team carried his jersey during previous international competitions and continues to celebrate his legacy in Milan.

“The fact that our team is celebrating him throughout this tournament just speaks volumes to the character and the person that Johnny was,” Sullivan said. “I know how much he meant to a lot of the guys in that room.”