‘He’s with us every step of the way’: USA keeping Gaudreau family close during 4 Nations Face-Off

Team USA is honoring its fallen brethren in an important way at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Walking into the United States locker room at the Bell Centre in Montreal, people noticed a stall setup for Johnny Gaudreau, the American star who, along with his brother Matthew, was tragically killed in late August while riding bicycles in their hometown in New Jersey.

The custom of honoring Johnny Hockey and his brother has become the norm among USA Hockey teams, especially during the U.S.’ run to the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

USA forward J.T. Miller, who won gold with Johnny at the World Juniors in 2013, as well as being a member of the exciting Team North America squad at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, knows the importance of keeping Johnny, Matthew and the rest of the Gaudreau family in their thoughts as they don the red, white and blue.

“I think we decided to hand (his jersey) out for player of the game in his honor,” J.T. Miller said after Thursday night’s win over Finland. “He’s been with us every step of the way. Their whole family has been. I just want to keep it as special as we can, especially keeping the Gaudreau family close to us.”

The love for the brothers and the entire family has been on display in the lead-up to the tournament, as their father, Guy Gaudreau, was invited to be a guest coach at practice earlier this week before speaking at a team dinner on Monday night.

Jack Eichel was a key member of Team North America almost nine years ago. He also spent a lot of time with Johnny on the international stage, playing alongside him at the 2017 and 2019 IIHF Men’s World Championships. He recognizes the impact Johnny left on the game, especially on their side of the border.

“Johnny means a lot not only to USA Hockey but to the guys in this room,” forward Jack Eichel said in a media scrum. “His legacy speaks for itself. It’s great to be able to do something like that and honor him. I know him and Matthew are up there watching down on us, looking over us.”

Johnny Gaudreau’s list of international experience is extensive. Along with winning gold in Ufa in 2013, he played for Team USA at five World Championships, including last spring in Czechia. Gaudreau helped the U.S. win the bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

The U.S. is set to take on Canada on Saturday night, the final game of the tournament in Montreal.