Meredith Gaudreau Reacts to Team USA Hockey's Touching Tribute to Johnny After Olympic Gold Medal Win
Women's Health
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Team USA Hockey paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau during their Olympic gold medal celebration, leaving fans and family members deeply moved. Following an intense overtime victory over Canada, the team honored Gaudreau by displaying his jersey in the locker room throughout the Games. After winning the gold medal, players Auston Matthews, Dylan Larkin, and Matthew Tkachuk skated around the ice with Gaudreau’s Team USA jersey as fans chanted “Johnny Hockey.” This emotional moment was further extended when Larkin and Zach Werenski brought Johnny Jr. and Noa, Gaudreau’s children, onto the ice for photos with their father’s jersey.
Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s wife, expressed her gratitude on Instagram, calling the tribute “means everything” to her and her family. The gesture was particularly special as it coincided with Johnny Jr.’s second birthday on February 22nd, a date chosen by Johnny himself due to travel plans. Katie Gaudreau, Johnny’s sister, praised Team USA for their thoughtful efforts, noting how the inclusion of the children reflected what Johnny would have wanted for his family.
The tribute not only celebrated Johnny’s legacy as a beloved NHL player but also highlighted the importance of honoring loved ones in meaningful ways. Meredith’s emotional response underscores the healing power of remembrance and community support during challenging times. This touching display of tribute serves as a reminder of how sports can bring people together to celebrate life, love, and memory.
For readers interested in health and wellness, this story highlights the significance of finding healthy coping mechanisms to process grief.
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Originally published on Women's Health on 2/23/2026