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In August 2024, the hockey world lost Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau. He was 31.
Johnny and his brother Matthew were riding bikes in New Jersey when a drunk driver hit them while trying to pass another vehicle illegally. The brothers were there for their sister’s wedding.
A year and a half later, Team USA won its first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the Miracle on Ice in 1980 — beating Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Milan Games.
What happened after the final buzzer hit differently.
Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk skated around the ice holding a Team USA jersey with Gaudreau’s name across the back. His parents, wife, and children watched from the stands.
But Team USA’s tribute to Gaudreau started before the tournament even began.
He Was Supposed To Be There
Gaudreau never played Olympic hockey. The NHL didn’t send players to the 2018 or 2022 Games, keeping him off the international stage when it mattered most.
He was going to Milan, though. That’s not just sentiment — it’s confirmed.
Bill Guerin, who runs the Minnesota Wild and also serves as Team USA’s general manager, called Gaudreau’s parents before the Olympics started. He told them Johnny was going to be on the roster.
“An elite player a decade into his NHL career and the all-time U.S. leading scorer in international play, Johnny Gaudreau was on track to be in Milan for the tournament that wraps up Sunday when the Americans play rival Canada for the gold medal,” Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reported. “Guy Gaudreau said USA Hockey was gracious enough to tell the family their oldest son was on the projected roster.”
“He wanted to be on this team. And it would’ve been nice if he’d been here.”
That’s what Guy Gaudreau told Whyno during Team USA’s semifinal win over Slovakia on Friday night.
Johnny never got that chance. But his spirit was with the team in Milan — there’s no question about that.
