Team USA’s Johnny Gaudreau tribute didn’t go unnoticed — especially by those closest to him.
In an Instagram story Sunday, Meredith Gaudreau, Gaudreau’s widow, praised the squad for its tribute.
“Means everything to me. John too most of all,” Meredith wrote.
His sister, Katie, also appeared on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” Monday to thank the team.
“Team USA really went above and beyond. It meant the world,” Katie said.
“The fact that we’re still here and taking it step by step to honor the boys and their legacy is really in thanks to the community and things like Team USA and what they did (Sunday). Just the outpour of love and support for John’s kids, Matthew’s trip, it’s truly incredible what this community can really do.”
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died on Aug. 29, 2024 after they were hit by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey. Gaudreau, an 11-year NHL veteran, was expected to be a member of the U.S.’ 2026 Olympic squad before his death.
Team USA honored him by hanging his jersey in its locker room throughout the Olympics, just like it did during the 4 Nations tournament last year.
And following the U.S.’ 2-1 overtime triumph over Canada to claim gold at the 2026 Olympics, the Americans carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice. Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski also brought Gaudreau’s two kids, Johnny Jr. and Noa, with them for the team photo.
“We talked about it,” Werenski said. “We saw them up there and we wanted to get the whole family on, but it was kind of hard with the gate, so we figured we’d grab the kids.”
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Katie told Fox News that she initially wasn’t sure what was going on when the players were bringing the kids onto the ice. But she added that it “meant a lot.”
“When they went and got Johnny (Jr.) on his second birthday and Noa, it truly meant the world to us because, honestly, this is what John wanted for his children,” Katie said. “He wanted them to experience these experiences, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that he worked so hard for.”
Johnny’s parents, Jane and Guy Gaudreau, were also in attendance. They arrived in Italy before Friday’s semifinal matchup versus Slovakia. If Gaudreau had made the team — which coach Mike Sullivan confirmed he would have — it would’ve marked his first Olympic action. NHL players didn’t participate in 2018 or 2022.
Prior to his death, “Johnny Hockey” finished his career with 243 goals and 500 assists across 11 seasons with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
He also played for Team USA at four World Championships and was on the Under-23 Team North America at the 2016 World Cup. 2026 was supposed to be his chance to finally grace an Olympic roster.
Instead, fans chanted “Johnny Hockey” in Milan, part of the touching tribute after his tragic passing.
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