Team USA Men's Hockey Honors Late Star Johnny Gaudreau at Olympics

Gaudreau's widow expresses gratitude for the team's touching tributes to her late husband during their gold medal run.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. men's hockey team honored the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau throughout their gold medal-winning run at the Winter Olympics in Milan. Several players carried Gaudreau's jersey around the ice and brought his children onto the rink for photos. The team also chanted Gaudreau's nickname "Johnny Hockey" at a celebratory event. Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, expressed deep gratitude for the team's touching tributes, saying it meant the world to her and her family.

Why it matters

Gaudreau was a beloved NHL player who tragically passed away in 2024 after being killed by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey. The U.S. men's hockey team's heartfelt gestures to honor their fallen teammate on the Olympic stage highlighted the close-knit nature of the hockey community and the lasting impact Gaudreau had on those who knew him.

The details

The U.S. men's hockey team carried Gaudreau's jersey around the ice in Milan after winning the gold medal in overtime against Canada. They also brought Gaudreau's children onto the rink to take photos with the team. At a celebratory event in Miami, the players chanted Gaudreau's nickname "Johnny Hockey" to further honor their late teammate.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal in overtime against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The players

Johnny Gaudreau

A former NHL star who was killed in a car accident in 2024.

Meredith Gaudreau

The widow of Johnny Gaudreau.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the U.S. men's hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“It meant the world to me. I really am so thankful to these guys for being really great friends, really great teammates. Just to include our kids and honor John the way they do, it's all I can ask for right now. I think John would be very flattered, very humbled. It's just really, really heartwarming that they show him that much respect and continue to do these things. It's very touching.”

— Meredith Gaudreau, Widow of Johnny Gaudreau (Fox & Friends)

What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team will continue to honor Johnny Gaudreau's memory as they return home from the Olympics.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team's heartfelt tributes to their late teammate Johnny Gaudreau during their gold medal run at the Olympics showcased the tight-knit camaraderie of the hockey community and the lasting impact of Gaudreau's life and legacy.