US Hockey devotes first gold on worlds in 92 years to late Johnny Gaudreau

Team US Gold Medal Win at IIHF World Championships was full of emotions when the team praised their late teammate Johnny GaudreauWho tragically died in August 2024 Beside his brother Matt.

When the United States celebrated the country’s first victory in the tournament of 92 years on Sunday 25 May after they defeated Switzerland in a 1-0 victory, Gaudreau’s presence on the arena felt when his teammates held up his No. 13 shirt on the ice.

In a touching video Defender Zach Werenski was shared on the IIHF Instagram account and was seen leaving the ice shortly after receiving his gold medal. Werenski, 27, then appeared from the dressing room with Gaudreau’s sweater so that his teammates could show it and in the middle of his victory photos.

Meredith Gaudreauas parts Three children with the late NHL starshared several photos and videos from the celebration, including one where she wrote “Everything for You” on her Instagram Story Over a video by Team USA players who honor their husband.

Werenski, who also played with Gaudreau on Columbus Blue Jackets, spoke to Nhl.com Then explained that Gaudreau would have played with Team USA on Sunday if it wasn’t for the tragedy in August last year. “He’s a guy like he wasn’t in the playoffs, he played here for USA hockey,” Werenski said. “I think that’s what every US hockey player should strive to be. No one deserves this gold medal more than him.”

Weresnki said it has “been fantastic” to honor Gaudreau with his teammates “, especially tonight after winning,” he added. “It makes me emotional thinking about it, but it’s a great way to honor him,” said Werenski, who also shared that he thinks of Gaudreau before “every game” he plays.

“I think of him before I walk on the ice every game,” said Werenski Per NHL.com. “I see his sweater hanging there. In Columbus hangs that one. Last year’s tournament was the last time I got to play with him and share the ice with him. He deserves this. I’m just really happy to get a gold medal for him this year.”

Werenski was also the recipient of the coveted cap as Team USA assigns to the player. On her Instagram story, Meredith said she hoped that Werenski “would get the next Johnny Beanie.”

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Goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman said after the match that the team was determined to win gold to honor Gaudreau, who represented the United States five times at the World Cup.

“We did it for a reason. We had a purpose,” Swayman, 26, told NHL.com. “We had a fantastic game plan, we built every game. We knew there was something special in this room, but the biggest thing was to have Johnny Gaudreau in our room too.”

“This gold goes to him and the legacy he is paved for all US hockey players,” continued Swayman. “It was something we really backed for. In every single game we knew he was with us and had our spirit, so this gold is for him.”

Gaudreau continues to make a positive impact on his teammates, Swayman said.

“He would be here, obviously. We miss him terribly. What he has done for the game, what he has done for the United States hockey … He has paved the way for many children like me. It was just really special to get the job done. The assignment was carried out for him.”

Brady Skjei, defender for Team USA and Nashville Predators, said that Gaudreau has “been part of” their team “all the time” after the match. “Honor him that way was fantastic. Johnny was a fantastic person,” said Skjei Per Nhl.com. “A bunch of us knew him really well. To honor him … He was such a key person and player for USA hockey for several years. To honor him so … I think he is looking at us right now and he is very proud.”