TEAM USA hockey are quite literally carrying the legacy of Johnny Gaudreau with them to the Winter Olympics.
The hockey star and his brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver in August 2024 just hours before their sister’s wedding.
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Johnny Gaudreau’s No.13 Team USA jersey was seen hanging in their locker room at the Winter Olympic gamesCredit: NBC
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver in August 2024Credit: AP
Johnny was 31 years old while his brother was only 29 when they were killed before what was meant to be a special family occasion.
Gaudreau played for 11 seasons in the NHL as a left-wing for the Calgary Flames before his tragic passing.
He and his brother were fatally hit by alleged drunk driver Sean Higgins while cycling in their home state of New Jersey.
In honor of their fallen teammate, the Team USA hockey team have carried his jersey with them to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
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His No.13 jersey was spotted on the walls of the Team USA locker room live on NBC’s broadcast.
They also took his jersey with them to the Four Nations tournament this time last year.
The legacy of Gaudreau has stood strong with his former teammates as they make their way into the quarter-finals.
Team USA defeated Germany 5-1 on Sunday to finish group play unbeaten and clinch the second seed in the knockout round.
Matthew Tkachuk, a former Calgary Flames teammate of Gaudreau, felt that his close fallen friend was “here with us” in Milan Cortina.
He told NBC, “We know he’s here with us, cheering us on and rooting for us.
“He’s got his own area in the locker room and it’s always nice to see that as a reminder.”
Another former teammate, Zach Werenski, who played with Gaudreau on the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2022 -2024, also felt his presence.
He added, “I know how much Johnny wanted to be here for the Four Nations and the Olympics.
He and Gaudreau represented Team USA together at the 2024 men’s World Championship, where they finished 5th.
“It’s super special to see his jersey hanging, and we’re playing for him and trying to make him proud.”
How to watch Milan-Cortina 2026
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THE world’s best winter sports athletes have descended upon northern Italy.
Milan-Cortina plays host to the 25th edition of the Winter Olympic Games from February 6 to 22 – and here’s how to watch it all LIVE.
NBC is the official Olympic broadcaster in the United States.
The network will show action daily on it’s stable of platforms – including USA Network and Peacock.
Subscribe HERE to Peacock to watch all the action from Italy.