Johnny Gaudreau’s widow honors tragic NHL star after heroic Winter Olympic gold medal triumph
THE widow of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau has honored her late husband.
She has spoken out after Team USA‘s heroic gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Meredith Gaudreau has addressed Team USA‘s heartwarming celebrations after winning at the Milan-Cortina Games.
The Columbus Blue Jackets star was killed at just 31 years old, just hours before their sister’s wedding in August 2024.
The NHL star Gaudreau had been out cycling with his brother Matthew when they were hit by a car.
Left wing Gaudreau was affectionately nicknamed ‘Johnny Hockey‘.
He had been expected to feature for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Gaudreau had previously represented the United States at five Ice Hockey World Championships tournaments.
But Gaudreau’s memory remained close to the team throughout the Olympics.
Team USA carried a jersey featuring his name and number 13 throughout the Games.
This jersey was paraded around on the ice by the hockey stars after their historic win against Canada.
The Gaudreau family traveled to Milan, Italy, to cheer on Team USA during the hockey tournament.
Then Gaudreau’s children joined the players’ celebrations after they beat Canada 2-1 in overtime of the gold medal match.
Widow Meredith has shared her appreciation for the moment with ABC News Live.
“They didn’t have to do that,” Meredith said on Tuesday. “I was just very, very proud, and I’m very thankful to them for including my kids in it, and just honoring my husband the way they do.
“It’s the classiest thing. They do all these really kind gestures and include our kids in everything, because I know that’s exactly what John would want.”
Meredith revealed that she was pregnant with their third child while delivering a eulogy at her late husband’s funeral.
She has also explained her daughter’s desire to join the Team USA stars.
“She was really excited,” Meredith continued. “She’s started to put things together and she’s very, very proud.”
Team USA’s win marks their first men’s hockey gold medal since the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
