Johnny Gaudreau Recognized by USA Men’s Hockey Following Olympic Gold Medal Victory

Team USA men’s hockey held the memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau close to their hearts as they celebrated their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

On Sunday, February 22, Team USA triumphed over Team Canada with a score of 2-1 in the gold medal match, marking a heartfelt tribute to Gaudreau during their celebration. (This victory represents the men’s hockey team’s first gold since the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”)

Players proudly displayed a Team USA jersey in honor of Gaudreau on the ice, while cameras captured the emotional moment of the late athlete’s parents in the stands. Jane and Guy Gaudreau were visibly moved, shedding tears among the crowd.

Johnny, once an Olympic contender, tragically lost his life in a biking accident in August 2024 at the age of 31 alongside his brother Matthew Gaudreau. He is survived by his wife, Meredith Gaudreau, and their three children. (Matthew, aged 29, is survived by his wife and son.)

Jane and Guy were also present at the men’s hockey semifinal during the Milan Cortina Olympics, joined by Meredith and her children.

“You should be here, John, and I’m so sorry you aren’t,” Meredith shared on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21. “So proud of you and your legacy.”

Meredith and their children, Noa, 3, and Johnny Jr., 2, attended the gold medal match on Sunday, where they were invited onto the ice to celebrate with the team and their father’s jersey. Coincidentally, the game occurred on little Johnny’s second birthday. (Meredith had welcomed their third child, son Carter, in 2025.)

“2-22 is baby Johnny’s birthday!! A special date chosen by his daddy given travel circumstances at the time,” Meredith posted on Instagram on Saturday, February 21. “Happy 2nd birthday to our precious Johnny boy! We love you immensely. I am so proud of you. Couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate your 2nd birthday than with a fun event tomorrow.”

Johnny’s mom, Jane, also shared a heartfelt tribute in the comments.

“Happy Birthday Baby Johnny! Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop love you dearly and can’t wait to spend the day with you,” Jane wrote. “Love you to the moon and back!”

The Gaudreau family has openly expressed their grief.

“Thank you for the most incredible years of my life. Even though you’re gone, I still consider myself the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so deeply,” Meredith posted on Instagram in August 2024, breaking her silence after her husband’s passing. “You were everything I ever wanted. Some days it felt surreal. I cherish every moment we had together. You are my forever, and I look forward to being with you again. I love you endlessly.”

In another heartfelt tribute, Meredith acknowledged that Johnny was “the absolute best dad in the world.”

“He was incredibly caring and loving, the perfect partner for navigating parenthood,” she reflected. “John never missed a single doctor’s appointment. He was fantastic at putting the baby to sleep and truly the apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she resembles him. We will make you proud. We love you so immensely, Daddy.”