Montreal, Canada – February 11, 2025 – The hockey community witnessed an emotional moment as Guy Gaudreau stepped onto the ice with the U.S. national team at the 4 Nations Face-Off practice in Montreal. Gaudreau, the father of the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, took part in team activities, honoring the memory of his sons. His presence was a touching tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” who was once a hopeful for this very tournament.
Despite his personal loss, Gaudreau stood alongside U.S. players Noah Hanifin and Matt Boldy, sharing a heartfelt moment on the ice. With a small pin on his lapel dedicated to his sons, he reflected on the moment with deep appreciation.
A Special Tribute to the Gaudreau Brothers
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragically passed away in late August while riding bicycles, just before their sister Katie’s wedding. The loss sent shockwaves through the hockey world, where Johnny had built a reputation as a star player. Since then, USA Hockey has honored Johnny’s legacy by prominently displaying his No. 13 jersey in the locker room at international events, including the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“It’s nice that they honor John that way,” Gaudreau told The Associated Press and NHL.com after practice at Bell Centre. “I love the game of hockey, and my boys loved the game of hockey.”
More than half of the U.S. team roster had played alongside one or both Gaudreau brothers at some point, whether in international competitions, college hockey at Boston College, or in the NHL. Dylan Larkin, a close friend of Johnny, shared his thoughts on what the tribute meant to him.
“He’s just been through the absolute hardest time,” Larkin said. “To see a smile on his face and have him out here with us—when Johnny should be out here too—it’s first-class by USA Hockey to do this.”
A Night with Hockey Legends
Before joining the team on the ice, Gaudreau attended a team dinner alongside hockey legends, including 1980 “Miracle on Ice” stars Mike Eruzione and Rob McClanahan, as well as U.S.-born Hall of Famer Mike Modano. While the dinner was planned, team officials extended an invitation for Gaudreau to stay in Montreal and be part of the official team photo and practice as a guest coach.
“I thought it was important that he was there,” said U.S. general manager Bill Guerin. “Johnny and Matthew were a big part of USA Hockey. It’s a tremendous loss, but they’re with us in spirit. The coaches and players wanted Guy here. He’s an amazing guy, and we love having him around.”
Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella had previously invited Gaudreau to assist him in practice last September. The longtime South Jersey coach had also spent time on the ice with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny’s former NHL team, in October. Being at the 4 Nations Face-Off became another meaningful step in the healing process.
Stories of Johnny Hockey
While at practice, Gaudreau got to hear stories about Johnny from his former teammates, adding even more emotional weight to the experience. Chris Kreider shared a particularly memorable moment from his time with Johnny.
“Chris Kreider told me how one day he went up to John and asked him for a stick because he was collecting sticks of random players at the time,” Gaudreau recalled. “John goes, ‘You want one of my sticks?’ And Chris couldn’t believe how taken aback he was, like ‘Why would you want one of my sticks?’”
For many of Johnny’s former teammates, his absence remains deeply felt. U.S. star center Jack Eichel spoke about how Johnny’s memory continues to influence the team.
“It’s something that we’re all still processing,” Eichel said. “Having Guy here is really special. We want to do our best for Matthew and Johnny, knowing they’re watching over us and still part of the team in spirit.”
A Father’s Pride
Guy Gaudreau emphasized that, to him and his wife, Johnny and Matthew were always their boys first, before they were hockey players. Yet, he still beams with pride when talking about Johnny’s accomplishments.
“John obviously looked up to some of these guys, thinking, ‘Oh man, this guy’s good, that guy’s good.’ But he always played right alongside them,” he said. “I always thought he was a pretty decent little player, but to see how respected he was among his peers—it’s pretty special.”
As the U.S. team continues to compete in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Johnny’s presence lingers in the hearts of his former teammates, coaches, and fans. His legacy, along with Matthew’s, will forever be a part of USA Hockey.
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