In the Team USA locker room at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena stands a stall with a No. 13 jersey that is no longer worn, but deeply felt. It belonged to Johnny Gaudreau, the former Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames star whose life was cut short on Aug. 29, 2024, when he and his b rother, Matthew Gaudreau, were struck and killed by a car in New Jersey while out bicycling the night before their sister’s wedding. Johnny Gaudreau’s lifelong dream was to play for Team USA at the Olympics, and U.S. men’s hockey team head coach Mike Sullivan has said before that if he were still alive, he would be on the team. Though he wasn’t physically on the ice during Team USA’s emotional gold medal victory over Canada — the program’s first Olympic gold since 1980 — he was still remembered. Gaudreau’s parents, his wife Meredith and their 3-year-old daughter, Noa, watched from the stands as players skated with his No. 13 jersey held high, circling the rink in tribute. Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Auston Matthews (34) of the United States, Zach Werenski (8) of the United States and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Leading up to the final game, after the 6-2 win against Slovakia in the semifinals, U.S. defenseman Charlie McAvoy said that Gaudreau is “looking down on us right now. I’m sure he’s smiling as we’re getting ready to play for a gold medal,” according to USA Today. And he was right. In the final, Team USA clinched gold in overtime with a remarkable goal by Jack Hughes. A storybook ending to a game that was being played for more than a gold medal, but for a former teammate and role model. 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics 10 hours ago Miracle in Milan: Team USA beats Canada in overtime for men's hockey gold 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics 23 hours ago Team USA invites Johnny Gaudreau's family to Italy for Olympic tribute Gaudreau has been honored throughout the Olympic Games with his wife, daughter and parents in attendance to support the team. “Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride,” the family said in a message to Gaudreau’s former teammates. Matthew Tkachuk, a Team USA alternate captain and Gaudreau’s former teammate with the Flames, said “we know he’s here with us, cheering us on and rooting for us.” U.S. players brought out the family of beloved late teammate Johnny Gaudreau after they defeated Canada in the Olympic men’s ice hockey gold medal game in Milan. This isn’t the first time Gaudreau has been honored in celebration. His jersey was carried by the team throughout its appearance and silver medal performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year. Gaudreau was a remarkable player. He played for Team USA in six different international events, including five International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championships, where he scored 43 points in 40 games, the most points in USA Men’s IIHF history. But he was also an incredible teammate. “The fact that our team is celebrating him throughout this tournament just speaks volumes to the character and the person that Johnny was,” Sullivan said. “I know how much he meant to a lot of the guys in that room.” ...read more read less