Former Dubuque Hockey Player Johnny Gaudreau Honored at Winter Olympics

Those who tuned into see USA Hockey square off against Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics not only saw a thrilling game go into overtime, which resulted in USA Hockey winning its first gold metal since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice," they also saw just the moving way in which the sport honors one of its own.

After USA Hockey secured the 2-1 overtime win, thanks to Jack Hughes' "golden goal," which only cost him a couple teeth in the process, the American players took it upon themselves to honor the late brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

READ MORE: Dubuque Fighting Saints to Retire Local Hockey Legend Johnny Gaudreau's #8

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Honored at the Olympics:

Johnny Gaudreau, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL, and his brother, Matthew, were killed in August 2024 when they were struck by an SUV while riding bikes near their hometown in New Jersey. The brothers were back home for their sister, Katie's, wedding, which was set to occur the following day. The news rocked the hockey world, particularly on the homefront in Dubuque, where Johnny Gaudreau was a member of the USHL's Fighting Saints during the 2010-11 Clark Cup-winning season.

Johnny Gaudreau's No. 13 jersey was hanging in the U.S. locker room throughout the Olympics, and following their victory, USA Hockey members Dylan Larkin and Matthew Tkachuk carried it around the ice as a tribute to the man known as "Johnny Hockey." And then, the tribute went a step further.

Larkin and Zach Werenski brought Johnny's oldest kids, three-year-old Noa and two-year-old Johnny Jr., onto the ice for the team photo. Johnny's parents, Guy and Jane, were in attendance as well, and got to see their grandchildren relish the moment while teammates proudly held up Gaudreau's jersey.

What Johnny Gaudreau Meant to Dubuque:

If you ask any of those players, they will tell you the same thing: Johnny Gaudreau should've been there on the ice playing and celebrating with them:

It meant everything. This is something John would have been at. And to see his family here supporting us and seeing his kids, bringing them on the ice, we talked about playing for him, making him proud and I think we did that. Super special to see them and to have kids on the ice, he was a huge part of USA Hockey - Zach Werenski, per KCRG

Gaudreau's impact on the Dubuque community can't be overstated either. Before Gaudreau shined on the NHL ice for the Calgary Flames and Columbus alike, his hockey career started during the 2010-11 season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Gaudreau had one of the best seasons a player has had while wearing the red and white.

He was elected to the 2011 USHL All-Star Game, and helped the Saints win the Clark Cup as USHL champions in his lone season. He was also selected to the USHL All-Rookie Team and named the USHL Rookie of the Year. Gaudreau kept Dubuque hockey close to his heart too, as he was one of the minority owners of the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the time of his death.

READ MORE: Former NHL Player, Dubuque Fighting Saints Alum Johnny Gaudreau Dead at 31

Forward J.T. Miller had some poignant words about the man whose jersey hung proudly in the USA Hockey locker room, and was a focal point of the team's victorious celebration:

He obviously would have been on this team — and been a huge part of it forward. A guy I grew up with and against and knew pretty well. It’s more than hockey, at that point. [....] He deserved better, and he had a big part in how things went down today - J.T. Miller, per KCRG

Read more about Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, being honored following USA Hockey's victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics on KCRG's website.