The Gaudreau family hadn’t anticipated the emotional impact of attending the final two games of the U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Olympics.
On Saturday, they expressed their appreciation to USA Hockey for bringing them to Milan to honor Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died alongside his brother Matthew due to a DUI incident just before their sister Katie’s wedding in August 2024.
Johnny’s parents, Jane and Guy, his widow Meredith, and their two older children, Noah and Johnny Jr., were present to witness Team USA’s victories over Slovakia and Canada. After clinching gold medals, the players invited Noah and Johnny Jr. onto the ice for a celebratory team photo.
“Initially, when we were invited to the Olympics in Milan, we turned it down. It just felt overwhelming,” the Gaudreau family shared. “But then we found ourselves thinking about what John and Matty would think of our decision. We knew deep down they would want us to be here. John always cherished representing his country. He dreamed of the Olympics, and he worked incredibly hard that last summer to earn his spot. Watching the Olympics, knowing that, was tough. Yet, being among those who cared deeply for John and Matty turned it into a cherished experience.
“Everyone we met took the time to talk about John and Matty, sharing stories and memories. It was eye-opening to see how profoundly they touched lives beyond what we often perceive in our grief. There’s a wider recognition of their legacy. When Team USA celebrated their gold medal, seeing [Werenski], Auston [Matthews], and Matthew [Tkachuk] carry John’s jersey around the ice was breathtaking—they made sure his spirit was there. And witnessing Noah and Johnny being lifted onto the ice for that photo on what would have been Johnny’s second birthday is something that’s hard to put into words.
“John and Matty should have been there, yet in many ways, they truly were. We’re grateful to every team member who loved John and Matty, ensuring they were part of this historic moment. A sincere thank you to @NBCOlympics and @usahockey for your compassion and for allowing our family to experience this in Milan—it was a gift we didn’t know we needed.”
“With love and gratitude, the Gaudreau family.”
Johnny Gaudreau was a notable NHL player with the Flames and Blue Jackets, a member of the U.S. team that won the 2013 World Junior Championship, and participated in five senior World Championships, securing a bronze medal in 2018.
