The United States had business to handle on Sunday in the gold medal game against Canada, but Johnny Gaudreau wasn’t far from the mind of any American player.
The late Blue Jackets star was heavily involved in USA Hockey throughout his career, though he did not have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics. He first played for the U.S. at the World Junior Championships in 2013 and represented the country in four IIHF World Championships as well as in the World Cup of Hockey.
After Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal on a pass from Gaudreau’s former teammate, Zach Werenski, the American team paid tribute to the fallen star on the ice in Milan.
Here’s a look at Team USA’s tributes to Gaudreau after winning gold.
MORE: Relive Jack Hughes’ golden goal for USA
Johnny Gaudreau tributes
After keeping a nameplate and jersey for Gaudreau in the locker room throughout the Olympics, the American players brought out Gaudreau’s jersey for their gold medal celebration on Sunday.
Matthew Tkachuk, who spent six seasons as Gaudreau’s teammates with the Flames, held up the former Blue Jackets star’s jersey along with Werenski and Auston Matthews. NBC cameras captured Gaudreau’s father emotional in the crowd.
For Johnny Gaudreau. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rWycdK8NUo
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026
When the U.S. took a team picture on the ice, they invited Gaudreau’s family down to be part of it. Gaudreau’s children were included in the picture, with Werenski holding his former teammate’s daughter, Noa, and the team holding up Gaudreau’s jersey.
Team USA brought Johnny Gaudreau’s children onto the ice to take a photo with the team pic.twitter.com/6MG3WkYAsm
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 22, 2026
The gold medal victory came on the second birthday of Gaudreau’s son, Johnny Jr., who was held by Dylan Larkin during the celebration.
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What happened to Johnny Gaudreau?
Gaudreau and his brother were fatally struck by a car while riding bicycles in New Jersey on Aug. 29, 2024. Both died at the scene.
The two were near their hometown for their sister’s wedding, which had been scheduled for the next day.
The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that struck the Gaudreau brothers was charged with two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The driver remains jailed, and the case is still pending trial.
Johnny Gaudreau children
Gaudreau had three children with his wife, Meredith: a daughter, Noa, born in 2022; a son, Johnny Jr., born in 2024 and a son, Carter, born after the accident in 2025. Meredith revealed she was pregnant during her eulogy at her husband’s funeral.
While Carter is still less than a year old, Noa and Johnny Jr. were old enough to be part of Team USA’s celebration on Sunday. Both were part of the team photo on the ice after the game, and there is no doubt their father’s former teammates and friends will continue to make sure they are included in the years ahead.
