Olympic Hockey Gold Won by Team USA is Dedicated to Late Catholic Brothers Johnny + Matthew Gaudreau
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A Gold Medal Guarded by Angels: How Team USA Honored the Gaudreau Brothers
According to the New York Times Athletic, 46 years of waiting ended in Olympic gold for the U.S. men’s hockey team, but the celebration in Milan wasn't just about a trophy—it was about family. As the final horn blew on a 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, the ice became a sanctuary for the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
SEE ALSO: RIP NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew - Faithful Catholics Die in Accident https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2024/09/rip-nhl-star-johnny-gaudreau-and.html
The Catholic faith was a key part of the Gaudreau brother's lives from their youth through their professional careers. They attended Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where their father, Guy, helped build the school’s ice hockey program. The brothers were famous athletes; loving sons, brothers, fathers and contributing members of their Catholic community. Gloucester Catholic, offered prayer services and support following their deaths.
The tribute was born from a pact between captains Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin. After parading Johnny’s USA jersey across the ice, the duo brought Johnny’s children—3-year-old Noa and 2-year-old Johnny Jr.—into the official team photo.
Throughout a game where Canada dominated the shot clock, Larkin joked that Johnny’s spirit was the secret defender. "They put a spell around our net," Larkin said, noting the irony of the offensive-minded "Johnny Hockey" helping out on defense. For a team that kept his jersey hanging in the locker room all tournament, the victory wasn't just a win for the country; it was a promise kept to a brother who should have been there.
Team USA Dedicates Historic Olympic Gold to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
In their first Olympic gold medal win in nearly half a century, Team USA turned the spotlight toward the late Gaudreau brothers. Following a gritty 2-1 overtime win against Canada, players celebrated alongside the Gaudreau family in a moving on-ice tribute.
Key Highlights of the Tribute:
The Jersey: Captains Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Tkachuk circled the ice with Johnny Gaudreau’s Team USA jersey.
The Kids: Werenski and Larkin brought Johnny’s young children, Noa and Johnny Jr., onto the ice to join the gold medal team photo.
The "Seventh Man": Players credited Johnny’s spirit for their defensive luck, with Larkin noting that the "puck wouldn't go in" despite a heavy Canadian barrage.
The Gaudreau brothers tragically passed away in August 2024, but their presence remained a constant for the squad. As defenseman Brock Faber noted, Johnny's jersey will have a permanent home in the Team USA locker room.
More Than a Game: Team USA’s Gold Medal Tribute to "Johnny Hockey"
USA Men’s Hockey just snapped a 46-year gold medal drought, but the real story happened after the final whistle. 🇺🇸🏒
The Moment: After a thrilling 2-1 OT win over Canada, Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin brought Johnny Gaudreau’s two toddlers onto the ice to celebrate with the team.
The Spirit: From hanging his jersey in the locker room to feeling his "presence" during every Canadian power play, the U.S. squad made it clear: this tournament was for Johnny and Matthew.
The Quote: "He’s following us, and he’s got our back. This is something John would have been at... we talked about playing for him, and I think we did that." — Zach Werenski
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