Johnny Gaudreau Honored by U.S. Men’s Hockey Team in Milan as Family Marks Son’s Second Birthday
The U. S. men’s ice hockey team is carrying a visible tribute to Johnny Gaudreau at the Milan Cortina Olympics: a number 13 jersey hangs in the locker room at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. That gesture underscores that the team is playing for more than a gold medal and highlights the personal connection teammates and family feel during the tournament.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Jersey and the Milan Locker Room
Inside the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena locker room, the number 13 jersey honoring Johnny Gaudreau hangs prominently. The team carried the same tribute into the Four Nations tournament a year earlier and has continued that pattern here in Milan, keeping his presence visible to players and staff throughout the competition.
Family Statement and the Tragic Loss
The Gaudreau family issued a statement ahead of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament expressing their heartache and describing how much the moment meant to John. The family said John was training harder than ever in that final summer, working with his dad and pushing himself to be in the best shape of his life, determined to earn his spot on the Olympic roster. They added that while it breaks their hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, they know he will be present with Team USA and his close friends competing in these games. The family closed with a message of support for the team: "Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride. "
The context for that grief is stark: Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were fatally struck by an alleged drunk driver while bicycling in New Jersey in August 2024. The two were killed the night before their sister’s wedding. The sudden tragedy sent shock waves through the hockey community, prompting tributes from teammates, coaches and fans across the professional game.
Career and International Record
Johnny Gaudreau played in the National Hockey League for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. He represented Team USA in six different international events, including five International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championships, and tallied 43 points in 40 games — the most points in USA men’s IIHF history. Those achievements underscored why he was considered a strong contender to make the U. S. Olympic team.
Team Reactions: Teammates and Coaches
Teammates have repeatedly emphasized that Gaudreau’s presence is felt in the locker room. Alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk said the team knows Gaudreau is with them, cheering and rooting for them, and that he has his own area in the locker room as a reminder. Zach Werenski, who played with Gaudreau on the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2022-2024 and who represented Team USA with Gaudreau at the 2024 men’s World Championship, noted how much Johnny wanted to be at the Four Nations and the Olympics and described it as "super special" to see the jersey hanging while the team plays to make him proud.
U. S. men’s hockey team head coach Mike Sullivan — who is also the current head coach of the New York Rangers — acknowledged what Gaudreau’s legacy means to the group. Sullivan noted that the team carried the jersey in the Four Nations tournament a year ago and that celebrating Gaudreau throughout this tournament speaks volumes about his character and the person he was, and how much he meant to many in the room.
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As Team USA competed and honored Johnny Gaudreau in Milan, his family also marked a personal milestone: Gaudreau’s son celebrated his second birthday while the family watched the United States in the gold medal game. That moment intertwined private mourning and public support as tributes and memories continued to follow the team through the tournament.
These tributes and family responses remain active and visible across the Olympic event; details may evolve as the tournament progresses and families and teammates continue to reflect on Gaudreau’s impact.
