U.S. Olympic Hockey Team Creates Emotional Tribute to Gaudreau Brothers
The U.S. men's Olympic hockey team has established a heartfelt locker room tribute to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the brothers who tragically lost their lives in August 2024. The display serves as a poignant reminder of their legacy as Team USA competes in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Locker Room Memorial Features Jerseys and Personal Touches
In the team's dressing room in Italy, a U.S. No. 13 jersey belonging to Johnny Gaudreau is prominently displayed alongside a poster featuring Matthew's No. 21. This tribute was organized to ensure the brothers are not forgotten during the Olympic games, where Johnny had long dreamed of competing.
Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL all-star who played 11 seasons with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, represented Team USA in six international events. He participated in five IIHF world championships, accumulating 43 points in 40 games—the highest point total in U.S. men's IIHF history. His brother Matthew played collegiate hockey at Boston College before pursuing a professional career in the ECHL and AHL from 2017 to 2022.
Tragic Circumstances Behind the Tribute
The Gaudreau brothers were killed in their hometown of Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver while cycling. This devastating event occurred just as Johnny was intensifying his training to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for Milano-Cortina, making the tribute particularly emotional for players and fans alike.
Family Expresses Pride and Heartache
The Gaudreau family shared a message with Team USA ahead of the Olympics, expressing mixed emotions about the tribute. "Our family is filled with both pride and heartache knowing how much this moment meant to John," they stated in an Instagram post. They highlighted that representing Team USA at the Olympics was one of Johnny's greatest dreams, and while his absence is deeply felt, they believe he remains present in spirit during the games.
"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 added. They concluded with a rallying cry: "Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride."
Team Members Draw Inspiration from Memorial
Players on the U.S. team, which advanced through the preliminary round-robin stage into the quarterfinals, have found motivation in the tribute. Defenceman Quinn Hughes, who played with Johnny at the 2018 and 2019 world championships, reflected on his teammate's character. "It's just crazy that that happened and that they're gone from us," Hughes said. "I was fortunate to play with Johnny... he was just a special guy to be around. Very vibrant. Someone you wanted to hang out with."
Hughes added that Johnny's love for the game and zest for life serve as a reminder to cherish every moment. Similarly, U.S. defenceman Zach Werenski, who was a teammate of Gaudreau's on the Columbus Blue Jackets, noted the significance of having the jersey displayed in Italy. The tribute not only honors the brothers but also unites the team in their memory as they pursue Olympic success.
