U.S. Men’s Hockey Honors Johnny Gaudreau with No. 13 Jersey Before Gold Medal Game

The U.S. men's hockey team advanced to the gold medal game against Canada while displaying a Johnny Gaudreau tribute featuring his blue No. 13 jersey.

The United States men’s hockey team will compete for the gold medal against Canada this Sunday at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. This championship appearance follows a semifinal victory on Friday night, a game attended by the family of the late Johnny Gaudreau. The U.S. squad is playing the tournament with a blue No. 13 Gaudreau jersey hanging in their locker room, serving as a permanent memorial to the player known as "Johnny Hockey." This Johnny Gaudreau tribute also includes his brother Matthew’s No. 21 displayed on the locker room wall, honoring both siblings who died on Aug. 29, 2024.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed when they were struck by an SUV while riding bicycles in New Jersey. The tragedy occurred on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding, just as Johnny was preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics. As the all-time leading scorer for the United States in international play, the veteran of ten NHL seasons was a lock for the Olympic roster. Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that team management had already projected the elite forward to be a part of the Milan squad based on his extensive body of work and his consistent performance in the national uniform.

Family Presence at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena

Jane and Guy Gaudreau arrived in Milan on Friday alongside Johnny’s widow, Meredith, and their two oldest children. The trip was initially uncertain as the parents had previously planned a visit to Las Vegas. However, their two daughters urged them to travel to Italy for 24 hours, insisting that the brothers would have wanted them to witness the Olympic tournament. Meredith Gaudreau facilitated the visit by reaching out to the wife of defenseman Zach Werenski a few days prior to their arrival to coordinate the family’s attendance for the final rounds.

Guy Gaudreau observed the U.S. semifinal win from the stands, noting during the third period that his son had deeply desired to be on this specific team. The presence of the family follows a previous gesture by USA Hockey during the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Guy served as a guest coach during a team practice. The current Olympic run represents what would have been Johnny’s first opportunity to compete on this stage, following the NHL’s absence from the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games.

Deep Roster Connections and NHL Ties

The current U.S. roster features numerous players with personal and professional ties to the Gaudreau brothers, spanning from their time at Boston College to various NHL franchises. Defenseman Noah Hanifin played with Johnny on the Calgary Flames, while Zach Werenski was a teammate on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dylan Larkin, who competed alongside the high-scoring forward in multiple world championships, emphasized that the team continues to think about him daily and views his presence in the locker room as a necessity for the group's morale.

Charlie McAvoy, another teammate from past world championship tournaments, described the atmosphere in the room as one filled with funny stories about Gaudreau’s infectious personality. The equipment and coaching staffs have implemented "gentle" reminders throughout the facility to ensure the brothers remain part of the team's journey to the final. These tributes include the retired numbers and memorial 5K events that have taken place across the hockey community since the August tragedy.

Legacy of the All-Time Leading Scorer

Coach Mike Sullivan labeled Johnny Gaudreau as one of the best players in American history, citing his character both on and off the ice as a current inspiration for the roster. The decision to hang the No. 13 jersey is a tradition that players like Larkin hope will continue for years to come in future international competitions. The team’s advancement to the gold medal game provides a platform for the players to honor the family’s legacy on the world’s largest sporting stage.

As the Americans prepare for their rival, Canada, the statistical impact of Gaudreau’s absence is noted by his status as the nation's top international point producer. The team has integrated his memory into their daily routines at the arena, ensuring that the dream he and Matthew shared of reaching the Olympics is recognized. The final game on Sunday serves as the conclusion to a tournament where the U.S. has carried the weight of this loss while maintaining a pursuit of the gold medal.