Team USA’s Johnny Gaudreau tribute with kids on ice brings fans to tears during emotional Olympic men's hockey moment

The gold medal victory for Team USA over Canada was a historic achievement, but it was the post-game ceremony that gave the most memorable moment of the night, as the team honored late hockey star Johnny Gaudreau in a tribute that has since gone viral on social media.

The gold medal victory was historic, but it was the post-game ceremony that produced the most memorable moment of the night.After the medal celebrations were finished, captain Auston Matthews led the way onto the ice with teammates Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk, all carrying the No. 13 jersey of Gaudreau. Later, his children, Noa and Johnny Jr., made their way out onto the ice for the team photo. The gesture was one of both sadness and unity for the team.

Viral Olympic tribute shows how Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy continues to fuel Team USA’s golden success

Speaking after the ceremony, Matthews highlighted that the presence of Gaudreau was felt throughout the tournament. He said that the win of the gold medal, while paying tribute to their fallen teammate, made the experience even sweeter, and Gaudreau’s impact on the locker room was still strong despite his absence.Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in 2024 at the age of 31, had an illustrious career that was one of the most impressive in the history of U.S.

hockey. A force to be reckoned with for over a decade in the NHL, he was one of the most prolific American goal-scorers abroad and had averaged close to a point per game in 763 games. The forward and his brother were killed after being struck by an SUV while cycling as part of their sister’s wedding celebrations, leaving the hockey world in shock. Since then, Team USA has honored his memory by placing his jersey in the locker room before every game, a practice that began during the 4 Nations Face-Off and continued throughout the Olympic tournament.Players also spoke of the tribute as a very personal gesture. Forward Dylan Larkin said it was only fitting that Gaudreau’s kids were the ones on the ice, adding that the loss was not limited to the rink but the whole USA Hockey community. He also said that Gaudreau’s sense of humor and personality were very much missed, adding that the team’s offensive leader would never be caught defending at the blue line.Meredith Gaudreau, along with her parents Guy and Jane, was in attendance to witness the emotional tribute to her late husband. For many fans, the moment was one that captured the essence of sports—not just winning but remembering, family, and legacy.