Originally published on 2/23/26

Team USA honored late hockey star Johnny Gaudreau in a beautiful way during Sunday’s Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game. After Team USA beat Canada in overtime, the players made sure their victory photo featured Johnny’s jersey and his children. This moment came after the team had already decided to hang Johnny’s jersey in their locker room, a move Team USA defenseman Brock Faber said “shows the lasting impact he’ll [Johnny] forever have on this team.” To learn more about Johnny and the tragic cycling crash that killed him, keep reading. 

Who is Johnny Gaudreau? 

Johnny was born on August 13, 1993, in Salem County, New Jersey. He played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for Canada’s Calgary Flames (2014 to 2022) and for the Columbus Blue Jackets in Ohio (2022 to 2024). He was also a 7-time All-Star, a title that helped cement him as one of the modern-day hockey greats. 

“Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and he was a joy to watch during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL,” NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh said in a statement back in 2024. “He enjoyed a decorated college career at Boston College where he played together with his brother, Matthew, who also went on to play professional hockey in the AHL [American Hockey League] and ECHL [East Coast Hockey League].” 

Johnny and his wife Meredith had three children, Noa, age 3, Johnny Jr., age 22, and Carter, age 1, who was born after Johnny’s death. 

He loved being a father, telling BlueJackets.com, “It’s really good. It’s been a lot of fun so far. You know, it’s fun coming home from the rink and being able to spend time with her [Noa]. Obviously we haven’t been on the road too much. Going on the road here, I’m going to miss her, but it makes it better coming home.”

The death of Johnny Gaudreau

On August 29, 2025, Johnny and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while cycling down the road. Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29. 

“I was in shock. I was keeled over for days sick to my stomach. It’s completely indescribable. The only person who can relate to me is my own sister-in-law. I see her and my heart breaks for her. I’m sick for her,” Meredith wrote in a 2025 essay. “I thought of our baby inside of me. I couldn’t stand up. I was awake and having nightmares. Thinking of you in that moment. Thinking of Matty. It’s just the worst thing I could have ever imagined.” 

“I already have the boys watching your highlights and Noa watches videos of you and her together every day. You were humble, you were responsible, you were hard-working. You were the sweetest boyfriend, the greatest husband, and the best father. You wanted everything to be about me and the kids. You would have done anything for them. I know that. And they will know it, too. I promise, John,” Meredith continued. “You were the best spouse, my life partner forever….love you so much. Forever and ever.” 

Team USA honors Johnny Gaudreau at the 2026 Olympics

A little less than two years after Johnny’s death, the USA men’s hockey team honored their former teammate on and off the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics. They displayed his jersey, helped make sure his family was there at the rink during the gold medal game and even included his children in their victory photo. 

“I think he’s [Johnny] had a big impact on a lot of guys in our room,” Team USA captain Auston Matthews told The Athletic. “A lot of guys grew up with him. Played with him. Spent a lot of time with him. Whether that’s the NHL or World Championships, different setting like that. We’ve had his jersey in our room last year in the 4 Nations. Had his jersey in the room here at the Olympics. Just a subtle reminder that him and his brother are with us in spirit. To be able to get it done like that, to win, to have his jersey out there in the team photo, have his kids come out and be with us. we’re obviously thinking of him. Just felt like the impact that he’s had on so many guys in this room is special.” 

“He was with us in spirit the whole tournament,” Matthews continued. 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/johnny-gaudreau-death-team-usa-olympics-tribute