Johnny Gaudreau Becomes Emotional Focus of U.S. Hockey After Historic Gold Medal Win
Johnny Gaudreau Becomes Emotional Focus of U.S. Hockey After Historic Gold Medal Win

Published: May 26, 2025

The United States hockey team made history on Sunday, May 25, winning their first gold medal at the IIHF World Championships in 92 years. The emotional celebration was dedicated to their late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August 2024 alongside his brother Matthew.

The team's victory was marked by an emotional tribute to Gaudreau, with defenseman Zach Werenski holding up his No. 13 jersey on the ice. Werenski, who played alongside Gaudreau on the Columbus Blue Jackets, said, "No one deserves this gold medal more than him." He added, "I think about him before every game I play. I see his jersey hanging there. In Columbus, it hangs there. Last year's tournament was the last time I got to play with him and share the ice with him. He deserves this."

Goalie Jeremy Swayman also paid tribute to Gaudreau, saying, "This gold goes to him and the legacy that he's paved for all USA hockey players." He added, "He would be here, obviously. We miss him terribly. What he's done for the game, what he's done for USA Hockey ... he's paved the way for a lot of kids like me."

Brady Skjei, defenseman for Team USA and the Nashville Predators, said Gaudreau "has been a part of our team this whole time. "To honor him in that way was amazing. Johnny was an amazing person," Skjei said. "A bunch of us knew him really well. To honor him ... he was such a key person and player for USA Hockey for years. To honor him like that ... I think he's watching us right now and he's very proud."

Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny's wife, shared multiple photos and videos from the celebration, including one where she wrote, "All for you," on her Instagram Story over a video of the Team USA players honoring her husband.

Team USA pose with their IIHF World Championship cup and the late Johnny Gaudreau's jersey. Credit : Michael Campanella/Getty

Jeremy Swayman raises the trophy after winning gold. JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty

Team USA celebrates winning the gold medal at the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship on May 25, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

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