Heartfelt Tribute as Team USA Secures Historic Gold
In a poignant moment before Sunday’s gold medal game, Columbus Blue Jackets captain Zach Werenski and Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin conceived a heartfelt tribute. They wanted to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau by including their family in the post-victory celebration, should Team USA clinch the gold.
After a thrilling 2-1 overtime win against Canada, marking the United States' first men’s hockey gold in 46 years, Werenski, alongside Team USA captain Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk, paraded Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey around the ice. This tribute was not just a nod to a fallen teammate but a celebration of his enduring spirit.
Werenski and Larkin found Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s young children, Noa and Johnny Jr., bringing them onto the ice. “I felt Johnny’s presence throughout the tournament,” Werenski shared.
“It’s like he was with us, guiding us. Seeing his family here, it felt like we were playing for him, making him proud.”
The tragic loss of “Johnny Hockey” and his brother Matthew, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver in 2024, loomed large over the event. Larkin reflected, “Johnny and Matty should be here.
Having Johnny Jr. and Noa out there felt right. It’s about family first.”
Despite being outshot, Team USA’s Connor Hellebuyck delivered a stellar performance in net, while Canada missed several key opportunities, including a late-game miss by Nathan MacKinnon. Larkin humorously speculated that Johnny might have had a hand in their defensive luck. “It’s ironic because Johnny wasn’t known for defense, but we miss him and love his family.”
Defenseman Brock Faber was visibly moved seeing the Gaudreau children on the ice. “It shows Johnny’s lasting impact on this team. His legacy lives on, and his jersey will always hang in our locker room.”
Auston Matthews echoed the sentiment, noting Johnny’s influence on the team. “A lot of us grew up with him, played with him.
His presence is felt in every game. Having his jersey in our room is a reminder of his spirit.”
As Team USA celebrated their historic victory, the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau was firmly etched into the fabric of their triumph, a testament to the profound impact they had on their teammates and the sport.