Johnny Gaudreau never got the chance to play in the Olympics, but Team USA is doing everything it can to make sure he and his brother Matthew won’t be forgotten.
The American men’s hockey team has set up a locker-room tribute to the late brothers, who were killed in August 2024 when both were struck by an alleged drunk driver while cycling in their hometown of Oldmans Township, NJ.
On display among the stalls in the team’s dressing room is a U.S. No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau jersey, along with a poster also featuring Matthew’s No. 21.
Johnny played 11 NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, while suiting up for Team USA in six different international events. He played in five IIHF world championships, tallying 43 points in 40 games — the most points in U.S. men’s IIHF history.
Matthew played collegiate hockey at Boston College before turning pro and competing in the ECHL and AHL from 2017 to 2022.
Considering his international track record, Johnny Gaudreau was considered a favourite to make the U.S. Olympic team for Milano-Cortina.
What did the Gaudreau family say?
The Gaudreau family shared a message to the team ahead of the Winter Olympics, expressing “both pride and heartache” as the American team keeps the brothers in their minds.
“Our family is filled with both pride and heartache knowing how much this moment meant to John.
“Representing Team USA at the Olympics was one of his greatest dreams,” the Instagram post reads, adding that Johnny was “training harder than ever” to make the Olympic roster.
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“While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games,” the family said.
“Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride.”
The members of the team in Italy — which coasted through the preliminary round-robin stage and into the quarterfinals — continue to draw inspiration from the tribute and the memory of the late brothers.
How are members of Team USA responding?
“It’s just crazy that that happened and that they’re gone from us,” defenceman Quinn Hughes said on Tuesday. “I was fortunate to play with Johnny at the 2018 world championships and 2019, so was able to get to know him.
“Obviously, you guys know how he was on the ice, but off the ice, he was just a special guy to be around. Very vibrant. Someone you wanted to hang out with.”
Hughes added that when he thinks of Johnny, he remembers “how much he loved the game and how full of life he was” and that he’s reminded to “take advantage of every moment you have.”
U.S. defenceman Zach Werenski, who also played with Gaudreau on the Columbus Blue Jackets, said it was special to have the jersey hung alongside the rest of the team in Italy.
“I know how much Johnny wanted to be here for the 4 Nations and the Olympics,” he said, per NBC. “It’s super special to see his jersey hanging and we’re playing for him and trying to make him proud.”
Up next for the U.S. will be winner of Tuesday’s qualifying game between Sweden and Latvia. But, whoever they face, the Americans will continue to draw inspiration from the Gaudreaus.
“We know he’s here with us, cheering us on and rooting for us,” Matthew Tkachuk said.
— With Patrick Johnston files