Johnny Gaudreau’s Children Take Part in Emotional U.S. Olympic Gold Celebration

Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy lit up Milano Cortina on Feb. 22, 2026. In a thrilling 2‑1 OT win over Canada, Team USA clinched men’s hockey gold and honored the late Johnny Gaudreau unforgettably. Young Noa and Johnny Jr. skated onto the ice with teammates and his iconic No. 13 jersey, stealing hearts in a raw, emotional Olympic moment.

What Happened on Feb. 22, 2026, after Team USA’s Historic Win?

Team USA beat Canada 2‑1 in overtime to win men’s Olympic hockey gold at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, the first U.S. gold since 1980. Players carried Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 Team USA jersey around the ice as part of the emotional celebration. The locker room had kept that same jersey throughout the tournament as a tribute to him. 

Then came an unforgettable moment: Team USA brought 3‑year‑old Noa and 2‑year‑old Johnny Jr. Gaudreau’s oldest children onto the ice for a team photo with their father’s jersey. Players said this was a way to honour Johnny’s memory and include his family in that gold‑medal moment. 

Why Did Team USA Include Gaudreau’s Children in the Celebration?

• Gaudreau was expected to make the 2026 Olympic roster before his tragic death in August 2024, along with his brother Matthew, in a cycling accident. 
• The team carried his jersey and talked about playing for him, making every game a tribute. 
• Bringing his kids onto the ice made the tribute even more personal and symbolic.

Players like Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin spoke openly about how important Gaudreau was to the squad’s spirit and cohesion. 

What Are Commentators Saying?

• Auston Matthews said having the jersey and the kids on the ice meant Gaudreau was with them in spirit. 
• Hockey experts noted this was one of the most touching moments in Olympic hockey history, blending athletic triumph with deep human emotion. 

Technical Look at the Tribute Moment

• Noa and Johnny Jr. were positioned front‑and‑center in the team photo. 
• Players held the No. 13 jersey high while teammates skated laps after the win. 
• Fans chanted “Johnny Hockey” in the arena as the scene unfolded. 

Final Takeaway

This was more than a gold medal party. It was a tribute to a beloved teammate, a father, and a U.S. hockey icon. Including Johnny Gaudreau’s children in this moment turned triumph into a deeply human story, one that sports fans will remember long after the final buzzer. 

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