U.S. Hockey Team Honors Late Gaudreau Brothers While Advancing to Gold Medal Game
Updated (3 articles)
Fatal August 2024 Crash Claims Gaudreau Brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed on August 29, 2024 when an SUV struck their bicycles near their New Jersey hometown; the accident occurred on the eve of sister Katie’s wedding, prompting immediate memorial runs and the retirement of both players’ numbers by their former clubs; their deaths shocked the U.S. hockey community and have been repeatedly referenced in team tributes during the 2026 Winter Games [1][2].
Gaudreau Family Arrives in Milan Following USA Hockey Invitation USA Hockey invited the family to the Olympics, and parents Jane and Guy Gaudreau, widow Meredith, and the two oldest children flew to Milan on Friday; the parents initially hesitated but were urged by their daughters to attend, believing the brothers would want them present; their arrival allowed the family to witness the locker‑room tribute and the team’s progress toward the gold‑medal game [1][2].
Locker‑Room Displays Blue No. 13 and No. 21 Jerseys At the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a blue No. 13 jersey honoring Johnny hangs beside Matthew’s No. 21, creating a permanent reminder of “Johnny Hockey”; teammates Dylan Larkin, Noah Hanifin, Zach Werenski, and Charlie McAvoy each spoke about the brothers’ impact while the jerseys were visible during the semifinal; coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Johnny would have earned a roster spot based on his international scoring record, reinforcing the emotional weight of the display [1][2].
U.S. Defeats Slovakia, Secures Spot Against Canada The United States beat Slovakia in the semifinal, advancing to the gold‑medal game where they will face Canada; players cited the Gaudreau tribute as motivation, noting the jerseys reminded them of the brothers’ dedication; the upcoming final offers the Gaudreau family a chance to watch the team compete for Olympic gold [1][2].
Sources
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WBNS (Columbus, OH): U.S. Team Honors Late Gaudreau Brothers at Milan Olympics: Highlights the locker‑room jersey tribute, family’s travel to Milan, and the team’s semifinal win, emphasizing personal comments from teammates and coach about Johnny’s projected roster spot .
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WBNS (Columbus, OH): U.S. Team Honors Late Gaudreau Brothers at 2026 Winter Olympics: Mirrors the first article but adds detail about the brothers’ numbers being retired and a 5K memorial run, and repeats the semifinal victory narrative .
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Timeline
1980 – The United States wins Olympic men’s hockey gold in the “Miracle on Ice,” establishing a benchmark the 2026 team seeks to recapture after a 46‑year drought [1].
2002 – Former NHL star Keith Tkachuk earns a silver medal with Team USA, marking the last Olympic podium finish for the Tkachuk family before the 2026 campaign [1].
2006 – Young brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk attend the Turin Games as children, creating early memories of the Olympic Village that later inspire their own Olympic ambitions [1].
2010 – Team USA’s men’s hockey squad fails to medal, extending a podium absence that persists through the 2026 tournament [1].
Aug 29, 2024 – Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau die in an SUV‑bike collision near their New Jersey hometown, prompting league‑wide tributes, retired numbers, and a 5K memorial run [2][3].
June 2025 – USA Hockey announces Brady (26) and Matthew (28) Tkachuk as two of the first six players on the 2026 Milan‑Cortina men’s roster, confirming their Olympic participation and linking the squad to a recent back‑to‑back Stanley Cup champion (Matthew) and a team captain (Brady) [1].
Early 2025 (4‑Nations Face‑Off) – The U.S. roster demonstrates strong chemistry at the 2025 4‑Nations tournament, a factor highlighted by GM Bill Guerin when he praises the depth and on‑ice synergy of the Olympic group [1].
Feb 5, 2026 – The NHL suspends regular‑season play after the February 5 game slate, clearing the schedule for selected players, including the Tkachuk brothers, to travel to Italy for the Olympics [1].
Feb 12, 2026 – Team USA opens its preliminary round against Latvia in Milan, marking the first Olympic appearance for the newly selected roster [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – The Gaudreau family flies to Milan after USA Hockey’s invitation, with parents and siblings arriving to support the team and honor Johnny’s projected roster spot [2].
Feb 21, 2026 (Semifinal) – The United States defeats Slovakia to reach the gold‑medal game; a blue No. 13 jersey for Johnny and a No. 21 for Matthew hang in the Milano Santagiulia locker room, and teammates Dylan Larkin, Noah Hanifin, Zach Werenski and Charlie McAvoy each cite Johnny’s character and skill as inspiration [2][3].
Feb 21, 2026 (Semifinal) – Coach Mike Sullivan tells the Gaudreau family that Johnny “is one of America’s very best” and would have made the Olympic roster had he lived, underscoring the emotional weight of the tribute [3].
Feb 24, 2026 (Gold‑medal game scheduled) – The U.S. prepares to face Canada for the gold medal, a matchup that offers the Tkachuk brothers a chance to end the 1980 gold‑medal drought and secure the first podium finish since 2010 [1].