U.S. hockey team paused gold-medal photo to honor late teammate Gaudreau's kids in the crowd

Team USA had just secured its first men's Olympic hockey gold medal in 46 years, and players were lining up at center ice for the traditional team photo when teammates Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin noticed late ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau's children sitting in the stands with their mother and grandparents. Instead of continuing the celebration, they walked over, lifted 3-year-old Noa and 2-year-old Johnny Jr. over the gate, and brought them onto the ice so the photo would include them, as per PEOPLE.

Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, had traveled to Milan with the children, along with Johnny's parents, Guy and Jane. After the 2-1 overtime win over Canada, captain Auston Matthews, Werenski, and Matthew Tkachuk skated a lap holding Gaudreau's No. 13 jersey above their heads before returning to center ice. "When we got the call to come out, it felt like maybe he did make the team," Meredith told NHL. Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were killed in August 2024 after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles home from their sister's rehearsal dinner, as reported by ESPN. Johnny had spent that summer training intensely and was widely considered a strong candidate for the Olympic roster.

The decision had been discussed before the puck even dropped. According to The New York Times, Werenski and Larkin talked in the hours leading up to the gold-medal game about making sure Gaudreau's family would be part of the moment if the United States won. "We wanted to get the whole family on, but it was kind of hard with the gate, so we figured we'd grab the kids. But it was a special moment seeing Guy and Jane," Werenski said.

Before the Games began, the Gaudreau family shared a statement on Instagram @gaudreaufamily5k, writing, "Representing Team USA at the Olympics was one of his greatest dreams." They added, "While it breaks our hearts that John won't be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA." Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey had remained in place throughout the tournament, something several players described as a reminder of who they were playing for. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that teams with stronger cohesion tend to show greater mental toughness. Researchers noted that when players share a clear sense of purpose, it can help them stay steady and focused during high-pressure moments.

"We've had his jersey in our room last year. Had his jersey in the room here at the Olympics," he said. "Just a subtle reminder that he and his brother are with us in spirit. To be able to get it done like that, to win, to have his jersey out there in the team photo, have his kids come out and be with us — we're obviously thinking of him." Larkin later said, "Johnny and Matty should be here, and that is still the biggest loss that all of us, USA Hockey, their family, our family, has gone through," he said. "And to have Johnny Jr. and Noa out there, it just felt right. Johnny's family first." Werenski said he felt Gaudreau's presence throughout the Olympic run. "I feel like he's following us, and he's got our back," he said.

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