U.S. men’s hockey team honors Johnny Gaudreau at Milan Cortina Olympics
The U.S. men’s ice hockey team isn’t just playing for a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
In the team’s locker room at the Milano Santagiulia ice hockey arena, a jersey bearing the number 13 hangs proudly, honoring the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau.
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Gaudreau, 31, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey in August 2024. They were killed the night before their sister’s wedding. This sudden tragedy sent shockwaves through the hockey community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, coaches and fans across the NHL.
Gaudreau played for Team USA in six different international events, including five International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championships, totaling 43 points in 40 games, the most points in IIHF United States men’s history. Gaudreau was considered a strong candidate to make the U.S. Olympic team.
The Gaudreau family released a statement on social media ahead of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament in Milan, expressing their “sorrow at knowing how much this moment meant to John.”
The family described Gaudreau’s desire to represent Team USA. “During this past summer, John was training harder than ever, with his father, striving to be in the best shape of his life. He was determined to earn his place on the Olympic roster,” the Gaudreau family said.
“While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be here to live out this dream, we know he will be very much there with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games,” the family said.
The family added a message of support to Gaudreau’s former teammates.
“Come on Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride.”
Gaudreau’s teammates expressed a similar sentiment.
“We know he’s here with us, encouraging us and supporting us,” said assistant captain Matthew Tkachuk. “He has his own space in the dressing room and it’s always nice to see that as a reminder,” he added.
His teammate Zach Werenski played with Gaudreau with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2022 to 2024.
“I know how much Johnny wanted to be here for the Four Nations and the Olympics,” he said.
Gaudreau and Werenski represented Team USA together at the 2024 Men’s World Championship.
“It’s super special to see his jersey hung, and we play for him and try to make him proud,” he added.
Head coach of the United States men’s hockey team – and current head coach of the NHL’s New York Rangers – Mike Sullivan recognized what Johnny’s legacy means to the team.
“We did it in the Four Nations Tournament a year ago, and we carry this jersey with us here in Milan,” he said.
“The fact that our team celebrated him throughout this tournament speaks volumes about the character and the person that Johnny was,” he said. “I know how much he meant to a lot of guys in this room.”
