Gaudreau's Legacy: A Touching Tribute from Team USA
In a heartfelt post-game interview, Auston Matthews, the captain of the Maple Leafs, opened up about the deep impact Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” continues to have on him and his U.S. teammates.
“He's been on everybody’s mind,” Matthews shared. “We have his jersey in the locker room every game.
So many of us grew up with him, played alongside him, and were extremely close. He’s here with us in spirit.
It’s awesome.”
Johnny Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew, tragically passed away on August 29, 2024, after being struck by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey. The brothers had returned home for their sister’s wedding, planned for the day following their deaths.
In a poignant gesture, Johnny's jersey hangs in Team USA's locker room during the gold medal game, with his family present in the stands. Adding to the emotional moment, Johnny's son, Johnny Jr., celebrates his second birthday today.
To honor Johnny and Matthew, the U.S. team created a tribute in their Olympic locker room, reminiscent of similar gestures during the 2025 4-Nations Face-off and the world championship. The tribute features a poster with both brothers' numbers and Johnny’s Team USA jersey.
“Johnny and Matty should be here, and that remains the biggest loss for all of us at USA Hockey, their families, and our family,” said Dylan Larkin, American forward and Detroit Red Wings captain. “Somehow they put a spell around our net where that puck didn’t go in.”
Gaudreau’s Unfulfilled Olympic Dream
Though Johnny Gaudreau never had the chance to compete in the Olympics, his legacy in the U.S. men’s national program is profound. A former standout for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, Gaudreau played in five world championships, earning a bronze medal in 2018 and a gold with the world junior team in 2013.
Before the tournament, the Gaudreau family expressed that representing the U.S. at the Olympics was one of Johnny’s greatest dreams. He had been training harder than ever to achieve it.
“He was determined to earn his spot on that Olympic roster,” the family stated through USA Hockey. “While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games.”
The family finds solace in knowing that in the hearts of his teammates and everyone who loved watching him play, Johnny Gaudreau's spirit is right there with them.