Team USA Honors Late Gaudreau Brothers with Olympic Gold Medal Win

The American men's hockey team paid tribute to the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau when they won gold at the 2026 Olympics.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:49pm

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The United States men's hockey team won their first Olympic gold medal in 46 years, and in the celebration, they honored the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two beloved hockey players who tragically passed away in 2024. The team made sure to include Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau's young children, Noa and Johnny Jr., in the team photo on the ice after the victory.

Why it matters

The Gaudreau brothers were deeply respected and admired figures in the hockey community, and their untimely deaths left a profound impact on their teammates, opponents, and fans. By honoring the Gaudreaus during their Olympic triumph, the U.S. team paid tribute to their legacy and showed the lasting influence the brothers had on the sport.

The details

After winning the gold medal game against Canada, the U.S. team made sure to include Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau's young children, Noa and Johnny Jr., in the team photo on the ice. Team captain Auston Matthews, along with Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin, went to find the Gaudreau kids to bring them onto the ice to celebrate with the team. The players felt Johnny Gaudreau's presence throughout the tournament, believing he was watching over them and helping guide them to victory.

  • The Gaudreau brothers tragically passed away in August 2024 after being struck by an alleged drunk driver.
  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the Olympic gold medal on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Zach Werenski

The Columbus Blue Jackets captain and former teammate of Johnny Gaudreau.

Dylan Larkin

The Detroit Red Wings captain who helped bring the Gaudreau children onto the ice to celebrate with the team.

Auston Matthews

The Team USA captain who paraded Johnny Gaudreau's jersey around the ice after the gold medal win.

Matthew Tkachuk

A member of the Team USA squad who helped parade Johnny Gaudreau's jersey around the ice.

Johnny Gaudreau

A beloved hockey player who tragically passed away in 2024 along with his brother Matthew.

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What they’re saying

“I honestly felt (Johnny's presence) the whole tournament. Felt he was here. I felt that feeling a lot in Columbus, and I felt it at the world stage, world championships last year, now here at the Olympics. I feel like that he's following us, and he's got our back.”

— Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets captain (nytimes.com)

“Johnny and Matty should be here, and that is still the biggest loss that all of us, USA Hockey, their family, our family, has gone through, and to have Johnny Jr. and Noa out there, it just felt right. Johnny's family first.”

— Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings captain (nytimes.com)

“Just shows the lasting impact he'll forever have on this team. His jersey will always be hung up in this locker room, and just really puts things into perspective when you see those kids on the ice and his family in the stands. His legacy will live on, and even though he is not here, he's a part of this team, a huge part of this team.”

— Brock Faber, United States defenseman (nytimes.com)

“I think he's had a big impact on a lot of guys in our room. A lot of guys grew up with him. Played with him. Spent a lot of time with him. Whether that's the NHL or World Championships, different setting like that. We've had his jersey in our room last year in the 4 Nations. Had his jersey int he room here at the Olympics. Just a subtle reminder that him and his brother are with us in spirit.”

— Auston Matthews, Team USA captain (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team plans to hold a special ceremony to retire Johnny Gaudreau's jersey number in his honor.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team's emotional tribute to the late Gaudreau brothers during their Olympic gold medal victory serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact these young players had on the sport and their teammates. Their legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players.