Johnny Gaudreau Honored During Men’s Olympics (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP via Getty Images)
USA Hockey Takes Home Gold!
On Sunday (February 22), the men’s United States Olympic hockey team took home gold for the first time in 46 years.
Team USA has only won two gold medals in men’s hockey, the first in 1960 and the second in 1980.
This year’s win is extra symbolic, since the famous game known as the “Miracle on Ice” also occurred on February 22. That was a semi-final game, and the U.S. won gold against Finland two days later, on February 24, 1980.
Remembering A Hockey Legend
One of the most emotional moments came after the game, when the team welcomed the late Johnny Gaudreau’s children onto the ice to celebrate their victory as they held up his jersey.
Johnny and his brother Matthew, also a professional hockey player, were tragically killed on August 29, 2024. The brothers were struck by an SUV while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The driver, suspected of being under the influence, was later charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” the 31 year old became one of the NHL’s most exciting and creative players. The Calgary Flames drafted Johnny in 2011. He later played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and proudly represented Team USA.
He is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their three beautiful children. Meredith was unknowingly pregnant at the time of Johnny’s death.
RELATED: USA Women’s Hockey Wins Gold In Comeback Overtime Victory Against Rival Canada
Men’s Olympic Hockey Team Honors Johnny Gaudreau
Following the team’s big win, forward Matthew Tkachuk and several other players skated around the rink while holding Johnny’s number 13 jersey.
The team also brought his two young children onto the ice. Johnny’s son, Johnny Jr., celebrates his second birthday today.
Johnny’s jersey remained displayed in the team’s locker room throughout the Olympics, and his family watched from the stands as they secured the historic victory.
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