{"id":467439,"date":"2026-02-22T23:34:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T23:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/467439\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T23:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T23:34:18","slug":"us-mens-hockey-honors-johnny-gaudreau","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/467439\/","title":{"rendered":"US men’s hockey honors Johnny Gaudreau"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n

The memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of Team USA men\u2019s hockey throughout the Winter Olympics as the Americans carried his spirit throughout the Games.<\/p>\n

Gaudreau\u2019s jersey was a mainstay for Team USA as they honored the late Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> star throughout the Milan Cortina Games. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. They were in town for their sister\u2019s wedding.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Johnny <\/p>\n

Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada at the Winter Olympics at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026. (Amber Searls\/Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Since then, the Americans honored Johnny Gaudreau as he was on multiple national teams when the U.S. was playing in the world championships. Gaudreau was on track to make the Olympic team<\/a> when the deadly incident occurred.<\/p>\n

The U.S. won the gold medal on Sunday over Canada. Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried Gaudreau\u2019s No. 13 jersey around the ice as the latest tribute for the hockey player.<\/p>\n

Gaudreau\u2019s parents, Guy and Jay, his widow Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. John Jr. and his sister Noa were brought onto the ice for the team photo as the U.S. celebrated winning gold. It was also John Jr.\u2019s second birthday.<\/p>\n

\"Dylan <\/p>\n

Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after their gold medal win at the Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)<\/p>\n

TEAM USA’S JACK HUGHES SHARES PATRIOTIC MESSAGE AFTER OLYMPIC THRILLER<\/a><\/p>\n

“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said. “We did it for him.”<\/p>\n

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said before the gold medal game that Gaudreau would have been on the Olympic team if he were still alive.<\/p>\n

“He was one of America\u2019s very best,” Sullivan said. “He\u2019s just a good person on the ice and off the ice, and I think he\u2019s an inspiration to our players to this very day.”<\/p>\n

Read More About The 2026 Winter Olympics<\/p>\n

Those closest to him will now celebrate in his memory, including those who were on the Blue Jackets, including Werenski. Team USA\u2019s Noah Hanifin played with Gaudreau while they were on the Calgary Flames<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Matthew <\/p>\n

Matthew Tkachuk carries Noa Gaudreau, after defeating Canada at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n

“It means everything \u2014 we all know he should be here with us,” Dylan Larkin added. “He should be with us. We love him, and I like that we continue to think about him and I wouldn\u2019t imagine it any other way.”<\/p>\n

The Associated Press contributed to this report.<\/p>\n

Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s\u00a0sports coverage on X<\/a> and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n