You know what they say: legends never die. And in the world of hockey, their teams make sure they live on in the culture, traditions, and customs that are frequently followed, especially when it comes to big tournaments. And, with the IIHF Men’s Hockey Tournament underway, Team USA has found a touching way to pay tribute to late winger Johnny Gaudreau, resulting in a heartfelt response from his wife, Meredith.
Both Team USA and the IIHF have paid tribute to Johnny in this year’s tournament, with Team USA ensuring that Johnny has his jersey up in the locker room and the IIHF sharing a special video remembrance in his honor. Gaudreau’s passing must hit his teammates hard this time of the year, as it was in last year’s tournament that he broke the all-time American career points and assists records in the men’s world championship with his 43rd point in the tournament.
Sharing the image of the Johnny’s #13 jersey hanging in the Team USA Men’s locker room to her Instagram story, Meredith Gaudreau wrote, “Will never stop being so so proud.” She also shared the video that the IIHF released from their official Twitter handle with the caption, “My adorable husband <3. Miss you so much. Everything for you.” The video that begins with footage of Johnny has his Team USA teammates sharing what they remember about Johnny, with Tage Thompson saying, “I knew him from playing against him in the NHL, and then my first ever World Championships was here actually last time in Herning, and he was on the team, and, you know, I think for me, he was a guy I watched a little bit growing up, and I’ve always loved him…”
Will Smith is then seen adding, “He was one of my favorite players at BC and one of the reasons I love BC hockey so much.” The video is filled with more pictures of Johnny and Team USA, and Clayton Keller provides some context to his jersey hanging in the locker room, adding, “He’s on the walls and all over the locker room, so he’s definitely here with us.”
Other ways that Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy lives on
In the aftermath of the horrific incident that took the lives of both Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on the eve of their sister’s wedding, the hockey world continues to find different ways to honor their legacy and help bring attention to the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, which does work to spread awareness on the dangers of drunk driving among other endeavors.
Most recently, Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf has been seen wearing a helmet with Johnny’s image on the back of it all season. Wolf and Gaudreau, who played together on the Flames between 2017 and 2023, when Johnny moved to the Blue Jackets. Wolf, who was recently nominated for the Calder Trophy, responded to a congratulatory tweet from Johnny’s mother, Jane Gaudreau, saying, “Thank you! I know John and Matt were looking down on our season from the very start.”
The Blue Jackets also have Johnny’s presence with them in the locker room, with his jersey being hung there all season, and an emotional coach Dean Evason saying, “He will not leave our dressing room as long as I’m here. He will be in there, and he’ll be a presence, and he’ll help us win hockey games, and he’ll hopefully get us to where we want to be, and that’s to win a Stanley Cup.”
Additionally, back in March, the team, along with Johnny’s wife, Meredith, and the company LineChangeCo, which designs quality fashion for female sports fans, designed a specialty crew neck in Johnny’s honor to raise funds for the Gaudreau Foundation, which continues to do important work to help families who have been affected by drunk drivers.
Almost a year later, Johnny and Matthew’s presence is still felt strongly on the ice; surely their legacy will live on for years to come, albeit with that bittersweet question…what if?
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