Team USA made history by clinching their first IIHF World Championship gold since 1933 with a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over Switzerland in Stockholm on Sunday. The team’s triumph was made even more special as they paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau by draping his No. 13 jersey over the championship trophy during the celebration.
Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, took to Instagram to share several clips of the emotional tribute. In one post, she expressed her pride in the team, writing, “Congratulations! ❤️🤍💙 Proud of everyone in this photo.” Another clip showed Johnny’s close friend and former teammate, Zach Werenski, rushing back to the locker room to retrieve Johnny’s jersey before lifting the champions’ trophy. Meredith thanked Werenski in a heartfelt message, adding a hand heart emoji to show her appreciation.
Meredith also shared a post from Hockey Forever’s Instagram account featuring a throwback photo of Johnny Gaudreau in Team USA gear, holding ceremonial pucks. In the caption, she expressed her admiration for Johnny’s impact and love for him, stating, “Every day you amaze me. Every day I’m so proud of you and your impact. You are so loved. No one loves you more than me 😘. Simply impossible.”
The decisive goal in the championship game was scored by USA’s Tage Thompson just over two minutes into sudden death, with assists from Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei. This victory marked Team USA’s first gold medal in the tournament in 92 years, with their previous win dating back to 1933. It also added to their tally of three overall World Championship titles, including the 1960 Olympic gold, which was recognized as a world title at the time.
In a touching gesture throughout the tournament, Team USA honored the memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in a cycling accident last year along with his brother Matthew. The team kept Johnny’s spirit alive by leaving a locker stall for him in their dressing room with his No. 13 jersey, symbolizing his continued presence among them.
Meredith Gaudreau reposted a photo from USA Hockey’s Instagram showing Johnny’s No. 13 hanging in the locker room, expressing her love and gratitude for the team’s gesture. The Gaudreau brothers lost their lives on August 29, 2024, after being struck by a drunk driver while biking in New Jersey. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, faces charges of death by auto and reckless driving, with his trial ongoing.
The heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau from Team USA and their historic gold medal victory at the IIHF World Championship serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of a beloved player and the resilience of a team united in both triumph and tragedy.
