Team usa honors new jersey’s johnny gaudreau after olympic gold win
Photo: #post_seo_title

Team USA honors New Jersey’s Johnny Gaudreau after Olympic gold win

Posted by
1 min read
February 23, 2026

Salem Co., NJ – Moments after capturing its first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal in 46 years, Team USA turned its celebration into a tribute, carrying the No. 13 jersey of South Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau across the ice and bringing his young children into the championship photo.

Players paraded Gaudreau’s jersey following the victory over Canada, dedicating the win to the late NHL forward who died in 2024. Captain Auston Matthews and teammates said Gaudreau was “with them in spirit” throughout the tournament.

Gaudreau, 31, a Salem County native who starred for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, was killed alongside his brother, Matthew, on August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were struck from behind by an SUV while riding bicycles on the eve of their sister’s wedding.

A driver, identified as Sean Higgins, was charged with two counts of death by auto in connection with the crash.

Jersey carried in tribute after historic win

Team usa honors new jersey’s johnny gaudreau after olympic gold win
Gaudreau’s parents after the team usa win.

Following the gold medal clincher, teammates skated Gaudreau’s jersey around the rink before gathering for a team photo that included his family. Players Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin brought Gaudreau’s 3-year-old daughter, Noa, and 2-year-old son, John Jr., onto the ice.

His widow, Meredith, and his parents were also in attendance for the game and remained for the postgame tribute.

  • Team USA defeated Canada to win its first men’s hockey gold medal in 46 years
  • Players carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey during the on-ice celebration
  • His two young children joined the team for the championship photo

Throughout the tournament, Gaudreau’s jersey hung inside the U.S. locker room, according to team officials. Coaches and players referenced his presence as a source of motivation during the Olympic run.

From Salem County to Olympic stage

A standout with USA Hockey and at Boston College, Gaudreau became one of the NHL’s top American forwards during his career. The Johnny Gaudreau tribute followed what officials described as a historic Team USA victory in the Olympic men’s hockey final.

Gaudreau had been projected as a potential roster presence for the 2026 Winter Olympics before his death. Teammates said honoring him on the ice was a moment they planned as the tournament progressed.

Gold medal celebration becomes tribute to fallen NHL star

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Breaking News

Don't Miss