Team USA honors Johnny Gaudreau after defeating Canada to win the gold medal
CBS Sports
by
Bryan DeArdo
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Team USA celebrated an historic victory by winning the gold medal in men's hockey after a 46-year drought. In a poignant moment, the team paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, a former member who passed away in August 2024. During the celebration, Zach Werenski, along with captain Auston Matthews and assistant captain Matthew Tkachuk, held up Gaudreau's Team USA jersey, moments after Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal against Canada. Gaudreau's family watched from the stands as the team brought his legacy to the forefront of their triumph.
Johnny Gaudreau was a seven-time NHL All-Star and a six-time All-Star with the Calgary Flames, earning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017 for sportsmanship and skill. Known for his contributions to Team USA, he helped win gold at the 2013 IIHF Junior World Championships and participated in the 2024 IIHF World Championship. However, Gaudreau never had the chance to compete in the Olympics due to the NHL's absence from previous editions of the Games.
Gaudreau's impact on Team USA was deeply felt throughout the tournament. His jersey was displayed in the locker room, and it was brought onto the ice during the gold medal game as a touching tribute. Players like Werenski and Dylan Larkin expressed how Gaudreau's presence was missed but his spirit remained with the team. "He should be here," Larkin said emotionally before the final match.
Gaudreau's family, including his parents and siblings, attended the event at Team USA's invitation. Their visit brought a sense of closure and pride, as they witnessed the honor paid to their son and brother. Gaudreau's father, Guy, shared that he would have loved being part of this historic moment, while his mother Jane reflected on how meaningful it was for their family to remember Johnny through his teammates' achievements.
The gesture not only honored Gaudreau but also highlighted
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/22/2026