U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Wins Gold

(Milan, Italy)(February 22, 2026)(Cleary’s NoteBook News)-The U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team paid a heartfelt tribute to the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau on Sunday after securing the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. In an emotional moment on the ice, players brought Gaudreau’s children—his daughter Noa and son Johnny Jr.—into the team’s post‑game celebration.

Gaudreau, who had been on track to make the 2026 Olympic roster, died in August 2024. His wife, Meredith, and his parents, Jane and Guy, attended the championship game and watched as the team honored his legacy.

Following Team USA’s dramatic victory over rival Canada, players carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice. Forward Dylan Larkin and defenseman Zach Werenski then brought Noa, 3, and Johnny Jr., 2, into the center of the celebration as the team posed for photos with their gold medals.

Larkin stood beside Johnny Jr.—who celebrated his second birthday on Sunday—while holding Gaudreau’s jersey aloft. Werenski held a smiling Noa as the crowd cheered.

Meredith Gaudreau accompanied the children to the game, joined by Gaudreau’s parents. Guy Gaudreau was visibly emotional after Jack Hughes scored the overtime game‑winner that clinched the gold for Team USA. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of Gaudreau’s impact on American hockey and the bond he shared with many of the players who took the ice in Milan.

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USA Hockey Honors Gaudreau brothers