In Victory, USA Men’s Hockey Team Remembers South Jersey’s Johnny Gaudreau

by Marc Narducci | Feb 27, 2026

For many USA men’s hockey fans, especially those from South Jersey, the 2-1 overtime gold medal win over Canada was a bittersweet moment.

It was the first U.S. Olympic gold medal in hockey since the 1980 Miracle on Ice squad captivated the nation by first upsetting the heavily favored Soviet Union and then clinched matters by beating Finland two days later.

This current U.S. team showed great heart, especially after being outplayed for long stretches by Canada.

Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils scored the game-winner, 1:41 into overtime, in which teams played three-on-three plus a goalie.

Goalie Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets picked an opportune time to have the performance of the lifetime.

Hellebuyck stopped 41 of 42 shots, including several spectacular saves.

After the game is when a tint of sadness appeared when a few USA players held up the No. 13 uniform of Johnny Gaudreau.

In August of 2024, Johnny and his brother Matthew were killed after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County. This occurred the day before they were to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.

Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.

Johnny, who grew up in Carney’s Point, was a seven-time All-Star, six times with Calgary and one time with Columbus.

He had 243 goals and 500 assists in 763 NHL games.

A former star at Gloucester Catholic, there is no doubt Johnny would have been a member of the 2026 USA Olympic team.

Johnny’s parents Guy and Jane, his widow Meredith and their two oldest children were invited to the semifinal and final by USA Hockey.

After winning the gold medal, players from the USA team held up Johnny’s No. 13 jersey and skated around the ice.

A few players went into the stands and brought Johnny’s son and daughter to have their picture taken with the team and his No. 13 jersey.

This shows how much of an impact Johnny had on the USA team members, all who are participating in the NHL.

The fact that he was remembered was such a classy gesture, yet also a sad remembrance of the lives of two young adults who were taken far too soon. His brother was a former minor league hockey player, who later became head coach at Gloucester Catholic, a position once manned by their father.

From talking to people who knew Johnny well, it was more than just his hockey ability that drew others toward him.

He was an underdog entering the NHL. Standing just 5-foot-9, Johnny was considered too small to blossom even though he won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player in 2014 while at Boston College.

A fourth-round draft choice, Johnny made an immediate impact in his first full NHL season, with 24 goals and 40 assists in 80 games.

He kept improving each year and developed into a certified All-Star, a difference maker, whether he was scoring or setting up his teammates.

Both Johnny and Matthew were known for giving back to the community, especially Gloucester Catholic.

They will always be so fondly remembered in South Jersey and beyond, as evidenced by the kind gestures of the USA men’s hockey team.

U.S. Olympic hockey team

Article continues below

- A Show of Strength

With the state ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, South Jersey is proving there’s more ways than one to put up a fight.

- Seizing the Moment

After the spring season was canceled last year due to the pandemic, these standout student-athletes from South Jersey are hoping to make the most of their opportunities in 2021.

Author: Marc Narducci

In Victory, USA Men’s Hockey Team Remembers South Jersey’s Johnny Gaudreau

Related Articles

Archives