Johnny Gaudreau’s Children Join Team USA’s Golden Celebration In Heartfelt Olympic Moment
Johnny Gaudreau was never far from Team USA’s thoughts as they celebrated winning Olympic gold.
After defeating Canada to capture gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, Feb. 22, the players made sure the late NHL star was part of the moment. While gathering on the ice for medal photos, forward Dylan Larkin and defenseman Zach Werenski brought Gaudreau’s children — 3-year-old Noa and 2-year-old Johnny Jr. — into the center of the celebration.
Larkin beamed beside Johnny Jr., who celebrated his second birthday that very day, as he raised Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey. Nearby, Werenski held a smiling Noa in his arms, making sure both children were front and center in the historic snapshot.
Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, attended the game with the children, along with Johnny’s parents, Jane and Guy Gaudreau. Cameras captured Guy overcome with emotion after Jack Hughes secured the overtime victory for Team USA.
Johnny, who died at 31 alongside his 29-year-old brother Matthew after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver the night before their sister’s wedding in August 2024, had been widely expected to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic roster — a dream he had carried for years.
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Werenski, who previously played alongside Johnny with the Columbus Blue Jackets, described the tribute as deeply moving when speaking to reporters, including PEOPLE, after the game.
“It was good emotions. It was happy emotions. It was something John would’ve been at, and to have his jersey out there for all the fans, for all the people to see… His family was in the crowd. We brought his kids on the ice for the picture, I mean, it was just incredible. We wanted to make him proud, and I think we did that.”
Defenseman Jake Sanderson, who had shared the ice with Johnny while representing Team USA at the World Championships, echoed that sentiment. “To get his kids on the ice for that team picture, it’s pretty emotional to get his jersey. This win is for him and his family.”
Leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan — an event many believed Johnny would have played in — his family released a heartfelt statement reflecting on what the Games meant to him and to them. Competing in Milano Cortina alongside fellow NHL players, they said, had been “one of his greatest dreams.”
“In that final summer, John was training harder than ever, with his dad, pushing himself to be in the best shape of his life. He was determined to earn his spot on that Olympic roster,” they shared. “While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games.”
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They added: “Though the Olympics will be bittersweet for our family, we find comfort knowing that in the hearts of his teammates, friends, and everyone who loved watching him play, John will be right there. Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride.”
