The U.S. men's hockey team honored the late Johnny Gaudreau throughout the Winter Olympics on their way to a gold medal victory. Several team members carried Gaudreau’s jersey around the ice in Milan to honor the NHL star who was killed in 2024. They also brought two of his children into the rink for photos.
Players chanted Gaudreau’s nickname "Johnny Hockey" at a nightclub celebration, moments that deeply resonated with his widow, Meredith.
"It meant the world to me," Meredith Gaudreau stated. "I really am so thankful to these guys for being really great friends, really great teammates. Just to include our kids and honor John the way they do, it’s all I can ask for right now."
She added that Gaudreau would have been proud and thankful for the team's continued respect and tributes.
"Seeing worldwide that he was recognized and we have worldwide support is how it feels right now. It definitely helps on our hard days," she commented on the outpouring of support.