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Team USA Secures First Olympic Men’s Hockey Gold Since 1980, Honoring Late Johnny Gaudreau

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  • US pays tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew at the Winter Olympics
    US pays tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew at the Winter Olympics
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    US pays tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew at the Winter Olympics (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: AP Source Full size
  • Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after the men's hockey gold medal game in Italy.
    Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after the men's hockey gold medal game in Italy.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after the men's hockey gold medal game in Italy. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • None
    None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: AP Source Full size
  • Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • Jane and Guy Gaudreau, parents of the late Matthew and John Gaudreau, at the men's ice hockey semifinal game, 2026 Winter Olympics, Feb. 20, 2026.
    Jane and Guy Gaudreau, parents of the late Matthew and John Gaudreau, at the men's ice hockey semifinal game, 2026 Winter Olympics, Feb. 20, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Jane and Guy Gaudreau, parents of the late Matthew and John Gaudreau, at the men's ice hockey semifinal game, 2026 Winter Olympics, Feb. 20, 2026. (Credit: (AP Photo/Stephen Whyno)) Source Full size
  • "At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve," the team said.
    "At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve," the team said.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    "At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve," the team said. Source Full size
  • Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after the men's hockey gold medal game in Italy.
    Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after the men's hockey gold medal game in Italy.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after the men's hockey gold medal game in Italy. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • Matthew Tkachuk carries Noa Gaudreau after the men's hockey gold medal game between Canada and the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Matthew Tkachuk carries Noa Gaudreau after the men's hockey gold medal game between Canada and the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Matthew Tkachuk carries Noa Gaudreau after the men's hockey gold medal game between Canada and the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026.
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates after the U.S. defeats Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Olympics, in Italy, Feb. 22, 2026. (Credit: AP) Source Full size

USA Wins First Olympic Men’s Hockey Gold Since 1980 On February 22, 2026 Team USA defeated Canada 2‑1 in overtime to capture the men’s ice‑hockey gold at the Milan‑Cortina Winter Games, ending a 46‑year title drought [1][2]. Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner, while Dylan Larkin and Matthew Tkachuk carried Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice as a tribute [2][1]. The victory marked the United States’ third Olympic men’s hockey championship and the first since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” [2][1].

Gaudreau Family Honored on Ice During Victory Celebration Players marched the blue No. 13 jersey around the rink, and Gaudreau’s parents, widow Meredith, and his two young children, Noa (3) and Johnny Jr. (2), joined the team for the official photograph, escorted by Larkin and defenseman Zach Werenski [1][2]. Grandparents Guy and Jane Gaudreau also appeared on the ice, underscoring the personal nature of the tribute [1]. USA Hockey retired Johnny’s number and organized a memorial 5K run in his honor [2].

Coaches Confirm Johnny Gaudreau Would Have Made the Roster Coach Mike Sullivan told the Gaudreau family that Johnny’s body of work made him “one of America’s very best” and that he would have been selected for the Milan roster had he been alive [3][4]. USA Hockey officials echoed this assessment, confirming the all‑time U.S. leading scorer in international play was projected to join the team [1]. Blue jerseys for Johnny (No. 13) and his brother Matthew (No. 21) now hang permanently in the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena locker room as a lasting tribute [3][4].

Teammates Cite Tribute as Emotional Motivation in Gold‑Medal Game Defenseman Zach Werenski, who assisted the overtime goal, said the honor “meant everything,” noting the team played for Gaudreau’s spirit [1][2]. Captain Auston Matthews and forward J.T. Miller echoed the sentiment, describing the tribute as a unifying inspiration [1]. Larkin dedicated the win to both Gaudreau and late USA Hockey executive Jim Johannson, highlighting the broader legacy celebrated by the squad [1].

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Timeline

Aug 29, 2024 – Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau die in a bike‑car crash when an SUV strikes them near their New Jersey hometown on the eve of their sister’s wedding, shocking the hockey community and prompting future memorials [1][2][3].

2025 – USA Hockey retires Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey and announces a memorial 5K run to honor the brothers, cementing their legacy ahead of the 2026 Olympics [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Team USA defeats Slovakia 3‑2 in the semifinal, advancing to the gold‑medal game; teammates Dylan Larkin, Noah Hanifin, Zach Werenski and Charlie McAvoy publicly dedicate the win to the Gaudreau family and display Johnny’s No. 13 jersey in the Milano Santagiulia locker room [2][3].

Feb 20, 2026 – The Gaudreau family travels to Milan after USA Hockey’s invitation, with parents Jane and Guy, widow Meredith, and the brothers’ children arriving to support the team and attend the final [2][3].

Feb 21, 2026 – Coach Mike Sullivan confirms that Johnny’s body of work would have earned him a spot on the Olympic roster, calling him “one of America’s very best” and reinforcing the emotional weight of the tribute [2][3][4].

Feb 22, 2026 – In overtime, Jack Hughes scores the winning goal as Team USA beats Canada 2‑1 to capture its first men’s Olympic gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” ending a 46‑year drought and delivering the nation’s third championship [1][4].

Feb 22, 2026 – During the gold‑medal celebration, Dylan Larkin and Matthew Tkachuk carry Johnny’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice; Zach Werenski says the tribute “meant everything,” and the Gaudreau children and grandparents join the team for the official photo, symbolizing the brothers’ lasting presence [1][4].

Feb 22, 2026 – Dylan Larkin dedicates the victory to Johnny Gaudreau and the late USA Hockey executive Jim Johannson, linking the current triumph to past American hockey legacies and underscoring the significance of the jersey tribute [4].

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