Team USA Honors Late Johnny Gaudreau With Emotional Olympic Celebration Involving His Children

After one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Winter Olympic history, the United States men’s hockey team not only secured Olympic gold — they made sure to include one symbol of inspiration behind their performance: the memory of Johnny Gaudreau.

In the gold-medal game at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Team USA defeated rival Canada 2-1 in overtime, ending a 46-year Olympic gold medal drought for American men’s hockey. While the athletic achievement alone was historic, the emotional resonance of the night came from a tribute that deeply moved teammates, fans, and the Gaudreau family alike.

A Hero Remembered

Johnny Gaudreau — affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey” — was one of the most electrifying American players of his generation. He had represented Team USA in multiple world championships and was widely expected to be part of the Olympic roster before his life was tragically cut short in August 2024, when he and his brother Matthew were killed in a cycling accident caused by an alleged drunk driver.

Although Gaudreau never got the chance to skate in the Olympics, his presence was a constant throughout this year’s tournament. The U.S. locker room kept his No. 13 jersey hanging as a reminder of his legacy, and teammates carried it onto the ice after the victory as a heartfelt tribute.

Children at the Center of the Celebration

Moments after the final whistle, in a deeply poignant gesture, Team USA players invited Johnny Gaudreau’s children onto the ice to take part in the celebration with their medals and teammates.

• Defenseman Zach Werenski held three-year-old Noa, while forward Dylan Larkin cradled two-year-old Johnny Jr., who happened to celebrate his second birthday on the same day as the gold medal win.

• Players and family members posed for a team photo that included Gaudreau’s children front and center, surrounded by medals and teammates.

The scene was emotional for many watching — especially for Gaudreau’s parents, his widow Meredith, and close family members who were in attendance. The team’s gesture let them share in a moment that went beyond sport.

A Victory With Heart

The inclusion of Gaudreau’s children in the celebration wasn’t just a photo op — it was a tribute to a player who deeply influenced his teammates and the broader hockey community. Many of the U.S. roster had played alongside or against Gaudreau in the NHL and international competition, forming bonds that extended far beyond the rink.

Team USA captain Dylan Larkin later reflected on the emotional aspect of the tribute, sharing that it felt right to bring Gaudreau’s kids onto the ice as part of the celebration. Players said it was a way to honor both Johnny and Matthew’s memory and to acknowledge the role they played in motivating the team throughout the tournament.

A Night of Triumph and Tribute

Team USA’s overtime victory marked the nation’s first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the unforgettable “Miracle on Ice” victory in 1980. That feat alone would have been enough to headline sports highlights worldwide. But by bringing Gaudreau’s children onto the ice and celebrating with his number 13 jersey, the moment took on deeper significance — it became a reminder that athletic achievement and human connection often go hand-in-hand.

For many fans, the image of the young Gaudreau children in the arms of American heroes will be one of the defining Olympic memories of 2026 — a symbol of hope, legacy, and the enduring bonds that tie teams, families, and nations together.