Johnny Gaudreau (via Getty Images)
The locker room of Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 has become a powerhouse for memories, sorrow, and inspiration. The jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau, No.
13, remains a constant reminder of the talented forward whose spirit inspires the Americans to go all out in the tournament.The presence of the late winger is palpable, according to players and coaches of Team USA as they gear up for the semifinal match against Slovakia. Players still refer to Johnny Gaudreau in the present tense, attributing the team’s motivation and passion for the game to the late winger’s spirit.
Locker room tribute for Johnny Gaudreau turns his tragic death into motivation for Team USA’s medal rush
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Coach Mike Sullivan stated that Johnny Gaudreau’s character is still rubbing off on the team. “He provides a lot of inspiration for all of us with how he lived his life, his dedication to the game, and his family,” Sullivan said. “He’s just a good person on the ice and off the ice, and I think he’s an inspiration to our players to this very day.” Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau tragically passed away in August 2024 after being hit by a car while cycling in New Jersey.
Since then, Team USA has paid tribute to Gaudreau at the biggest international competitions, including their gold medal-winning effort at the 2025 World Championship. Gaudreau has consistently lived up to expectations on the international level. He led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championship and then went on to help his country win a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championship, proving himself to be one of America’s most consistent players in the national jersey.According to his family members, one of his biggest dreams was to represent the United States at the Olympics, showing that he had been training hard in his last summer with the hope of making it to the roster.“It’s amazing,” defenseman Noah Hanifin said. “Johnny was close to a lot of guys in that room. You know he’d be here with us. We’ve been thinking about him and carrying him with us, so just excited to go out and keep winning and doing it for him.” For players like Brock Nelson, living up to this dream is now a collective responsibility. Every victory, they say, is not just about winning but is also a tribute to a player who many feel should still be skating alongside them.
