In August of 2024, the hockey world was absolutely stunned to learn of the passing of 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets superstar Johnny Gaudreau.
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were attending their sister’s wedding at the time, were struck and killed by a drunk driver who tried to illegally pass a vehicle while the two were riding on bikes.
A year-and-a-half later, Team USA claimed its first gold medal in men’s hockey at the Winter Olympics since 1980, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime.
After the game ended. American stars Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk paired around a Team USA jersey with Gaudreau’s name on it as Gaudreau’s parents, wife, and children looked on from the stands.
It was a beautiful scene, to say the least. But before the games had even begun, Team USA found a way to honor Gaudreau’s memory.
Johnny Gaudreau Was Going To Be An Olympian For Team USA
Because the NHL did not allow players to participate in the Olympics in either 2018 or 2022, Gaudreau never got the opportunity to play for Team USA on the biggest stage.
However, he was set to do so in 2026. And that’s not just speculation.
Bill Guerin, the general manager of the Minnesota Wild as well as Team USA, called Gaudreau’s parents prior to the start of the Olympics to let them know that he would have been a member of the team.
“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,” Guy Gaudreau told Whyno during Team USA’s semifinal victory over Slovakia on Friday night. “And it would’ve been nice if he’d been here.”
Sadly, Johnny Gaudreau never got that opportunity. However, there is no doubting his spirit, and his influence, were with Team USA in Milan.
The post USA Hockey Made Incredible Gesture To Family Of Johnny Gaudreau Before Winning Gold At Winter Olympics appeared first on BroBible.
USA Hockey Made Incredible Gesture To Family Of Johnny Gaudreau Before Winning Gold At Winter Olympics
Pinoy Human Rights
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